illiii 



iHili: 



Hi 







i 



HISTOEY or PEINCETON, 

WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS j 

CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL; 

fym ite fml Mllmul iu 1730, 

TO APBIL 1852. 
BY 

JEREMIAH LYEORD HANAPORD. 



" Those matters which possess a natural interest to a particular neighbor- 
hood, from association with familiar names and places, should be of interest 
to every one, who seeks, in the experience of the past, for that wisdom wliich 
may be derived from a knowledge of what those who lived before us have 
done or suffered — wherein they have erred and in what respects they have 
judged rightly." 



WORCESTER: 

BUCKINGHAM WEBB, PRINTER. 

1852. 



^\%. 



F7^ 



PREFACE 



L\ the following pages the author has aimed to present a 
brief, yet distinct statement, of the prominent events in the 
history of the town of Princeton. Particular attention has 
been directed to the various trials, toils, and hardships of the 
early settlers, — to the spirited resolutions and acts of the 
citizens in the period of the revolution, — to the difficulties 
that presented themselves in the organization of our federal 
government, as far as they had to do with the acts of the 
people, — to the ecclesiastical history, — and to tracing the 
progress of the tewn in its march of prosperity through the 
period of years which have rolled onward since the first 
settlement. Throughaut the composition, he has confined 
himself almost exclusively to fads — having his eye upon the 
original documents — which, so far as he is capable of judging 
himself, have been presented with entire impartiality. The 
work was commenced and prosecuted with an ardent desire to 
benefit and interest, not only the citizens of this town, but also 
those of the adjoining towns, and of the State generally. It is 
true that this is a local history ; yet the reminiscences of events 
that have transpired in this vicinity, anecdotes of mea who have 
lived here, the record of their manners and habits, all constitute 
€ tributary stream to the general current of our country's histo- 
ry. "All history should be, and American history in particular 
must be, the history of the people. Not an account of the pro- 
ceedings of a court, of the operations of a government only 
but of what the people have been doing in villages, and com- 



IV PREFACE. 

munities, and families. Here things lie at the foundation of na- 
tional character and sentiments, and consequently of national 
events. We are carried by this means behind the scenes, or 
rather into the scenes, of private history, and shown what are 
really the secret springs of public history." 

The volume we have thus drawn up, makes no pretensions 
to attractiveness, otherwise than the nature of the subject, and 
the facts exhibited, may be attractive. 

Many things worthy to be perpetuated, have, no doubt, for the 
want of information, been omitted ; accuracy, however, has been 
the constant aim of the author. Materials have been collected 
from sources as various as can be readily imagined by individ- 
uals who have not attempted a similar work, — the most of which 
it will not be thought necessary to specify particularly. The 
Town Books, Church and Society Records, and various Publi- 
cations, were of course, carefully examined. Many of the 
facts here presented, were obtained from a History of Princeton, 
written some years since by Charles Theodore Russell, Esq., to 
whom we would here publicly acknowledge our indebtedness. 
We are also particularly indebted to several of the aged peo- 
ple whom we have consulted. 

That this, our effort has many imperfections, and some slight 
inaccuracies, is extremely probable ; yet we dismiss it, to those 
for whom it was compiled, with the hope that it may prove to 
be interesting and profitable to them. The Authoe. 

Princeton, April 1,1852. 



CONTENTS. 



CIVIL AFF Al RS. 
CHAPTER I. 

General History-Purchase of the Indians-Proprietors' Petition-Order of 
General Court-Division of the Twelve miles' Square of the Indian Pur- 
chase-Rutland East Wing-Watertown Farms-First Settlement-Losa 
of Robert Keyes' Daughter-Incorporation of the District-Dr. Harvey- 
First Town Meeting— First Roads 

CHAPTER n. 

Character of the First Settlers-Their Ancestry-Increase of Population- 
Province Lands-Land granted by the General Court to the First settled 
Minister-Petition to be Incorporated as a Town-Act of Incorporation- 
Opposition of the Town to the addition of Territory-First Representa- 
tive — Boundary 

CHAPTER ni. 

American Revolution-First expression of tlie town in relation to revolutionary 
measures— Resolutions— Committee of Correspondence— Alarm-Prepara- 
tions for War— Instructions to Representative— Declaration of Rights- 
Bounty to the Minute Men-The citizens leave their homes for the Con- 
test—Trouble with Rev. Mr. Fuller— Declaration of Independence-Regu- 
lation of the currency— War terminated. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Insurrection-Distress of the People-County Convention-Instructions to 
Col. Sargent-Grievances-Courts suspended-Capt. Gale at the Coart 
House-Court of Sessions interrupted-Preparations of Government- 
I)anielShay»— Forces of Insurgents-Insurgents occupy the CourtHouse— 
Consultation of the Insnrgents-The Retreat-Gen. Lincoln's Army- 
Termination of the Rebellion— Henry Gale ^'^ 



VI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

Political History— Adoption of the National Constitution— Funeral Honors to 
Wasliinglon— Embargo— Petitions to President Jefferson, and to the Le- 
gislature of Massachusetts— Opposition to the War with England— Reso- 
lutions — First Town House^Benefactions of Mr. Boylston — Adoption of 
Amendments to the State Constitution — Part of No Town annexed — New 
Town House— Proposed Division of the County— Incidents in Local 
History. 07 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
CHAPTER VI. 

Introductory Remarks— First Preaching in Town— Attempts to erect a Meet- 
ing House— Committee to measure the District— Building of Meeting House 
— Assignment of Places in Clmrch— Church Music — Church Covenant — 
Unsuccessful attempt to settle a Minister— Call to Mr Fuller— His Ordina- 
tion— Covenant of Admission— First Deacons and Present to the Church- 
Complaints against Mr. Fuller— His Reply— Ecclesiastical Council— Mr. 
Fuller's Dismission— Suit against Town- Biographical Notice of Mr. 
Fuller 81 

CHAPTER VIL 

Unsuccessful efforts for a re-establishment of the Gospel Ministry— Settlement 
of Mr. Crafts — He requests a Dismission — Letter to him— Rev. Mr. Good- 
rich—New Meeting House— Mr. Russell's Settlement— Dedication of 
Meeting House —Mr. Russell's Dismission— Settlement of Mr. Murdock — 
First General Revival of Religion in Town— Church Covenant— Mr. Mur- 
dock's Dismission 98 

CHAPTER Vin. 

Religious Divisions— Attempt to settle Rev. Mr. Clarke— Remonstrance of the 
Church— Church has a right to choose its own Pastor— Mr. Clarke's Re- 
ply to Call— Second effort of the Town to settle Mr. Clarke— His Reply— . 
Petition circulated through the Towh— Call of Mutual Council— Its Re- 
sult—Protest of the Minority— Mr. Clarke's Covenant — Third Call of the 
Town to IMr. Clarke— His Reply and Settlement 113 



CHAPTER IX. 

Coll of Council by tile Clinrch- Result— Organization of the Presbyterian 
Church— Ruling Elders— Call to Mr. Bond— Accessions to the Church 
and Congregation— New Meeting House— Seizure of Property to pay 



CONTENTS. Vll 



Ministerial Rates— Seizure of tlie body— Mr. John H. Brooks carried to 
Jail— Suit, Samuel Brooks vs. Town — Mutual Settlement of the Contro- 
versy—Settlement of Mr. Phillips— Origin of Division— Mr. Clarke's Dis- 
mission — Biographical Notice — Proposal for a Union— First Parisli, and 
Mr. Cowles' Settlement and Dismission. 130 

CHAPTER X. 

Farther Measures for a Union— Call of a Council- Result— Proceedintr upon 
it— Objections — Votes of First Parish— Votes of Evangelical Society — 
Action of Congregational Church — Doings of the Council's Committee — 
Societies unite — Mr. Phillips at the House of the First Parish- His return 
to his former place of labor- Church Meetings 142 

CHAPTER XI. 

Attempts to efFect a Reconciliation— Further examination proffered, with a 
plan therefor— Amendment Proposed— Objections to Amendment— Call of 
Exparte Council — Mr. Phillips' letter to the Council — Result of Council — 
Mr. Phillips' Dismission — Biographical Notice — Meetings suspended at the 
Meeting House of First Parish— Mr. Demond's settlement over First Par- 
ish—Disaffected ask for a Dismission— Call of Council— Result — Mr. Har- 
ding's Settlement and Dismission — Mr. Goldsmith's Settlement and Dis- 
mission—Call of Mr. Hitchcock IGO 

CHAPTER XII. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Introduction of Methodism into Princeton— Messrs. Lewis and Fay join Class 
at Worcester— First Methodist Preaching by Rev. James Porter— Revival of 
Religion under the Labors of Rev. Mr. Paine— Formation of Classes— 
Hubbardston and Rutland made Stations— New Meeting House— First 
Quarterly Conference — Purchase of Furniture for Parsonage— Present 
to the Church — Stationed Preachers — Munificence of Mrs. Nabby 
Brooks 172 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
Formation of the Baptist Society — First Baptist in Town — First Preaching — 
Rev. Mr. Andrews— Organization of the Church— Articles of Faith— Rev. 
Mr. Walker— Rev. Mr. Johnson — Settlement and Dismission of Mr. Morse 
—Call and Settlement of Mr. Lovel — His Dismission — Settlement of Mr- 
Ball— Settlement of Mr. Cunningham — Accessions to the Church — Dis- 
mission of Mr. Cunningham— Temporary Supply of the Pulpit. . 176 



Vlil CONTENTS. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 
CHAPTER XIV. 

First Public School in Town— Division of the Town into School Districts- 
Appropriations for Schooling — Select Schools — Munificence of John 
Brooks, Esq. — Native Ministers 183 

CHAPTER XV. 

Biographical Notices— Physicians— Postmasters— Public Buildings— Accom- 
modations at the VVachusett Hotel— Streams and Ponds— Wachusett 
Mountain— Hills — Products 189 

APPENDIX, 

List of Officers chosen at Town Meeting, 1761, 197 

Location of Roads, 1784, ib. 

Petition of Rev. Mr. Fuller and Resolve of General Court thereupon,. . , 198 
A Document, containing an imperfect account of the number of men fur. 

nished in the Revolutionary War, at the expense of the town,. . . 200 

List of Votes for Governor since 1780, . 201 

Municipal Officers from 1760 to 1762, 202 



HISTORY OF PRINCETON. 

CIVIL AFFAIES.* 



CHAPTER L 

General Histor)-— Purchase of the Indians— Proprietors' Petition— Order of 
General Court—Division of the Twelve miles' Square of the Indian Pur- 
chase—Rutland East Wing— Waterfown Farms— First Settlement— Loss 
o( Robert Keyes' Daughter-,-Ineorporation of the District— Dr. Harvey- 
First Town Meeting — Fijst Roads. 

After the first settlement of Massachusetts, but a 
few years elapsed before the hand of industry penetrated 
far and fast into the uncultivated wilderness. In 1628 
but eight years after the landing of the Pilgrims, Salem 
was settled. In 1629 Lynn was inhabited. Boston and 
Cambridge and Waterlown were founded in 1630. The 
stream of emigration soon began to flow westward from 
its fountain. In 1635 Concord was purchased cf the 
Indians and a settlement commenced. In 1638 Sudbury 
was planted, and Marlborough was incorporated but a 
few years subsequent to that period. The increasing 
population pushed farther onward the frontier of im- 
provement. The fertile region in the vicinity of Wor- 
e<2ster attracted the attention of the early settlers of 
Massachusetts. The first settlement in the County of 
Worcester was made in Lancaster, in 1645. JMendon 
is a very ancient town, the second in age in the Countv. 
Brookfield was incorporated by an Act of the Lecrjhla- 



10 INDIAN DEED. 

ture in 1G60. Oxford embraces a tract of land ^vhicll 
was a grant made to certain individuals by government 

in 1682. , ,. 

On the 22nd of December, 1G8G, Joseph Irask, alias 
Puagastion, of Pennicook ; Job, alias Pompamamay : 
James Wiser, alias Qualipunit; Sassawannow, of Natick, 
and Simon Pilicora, alias Wananapan, of Wamassick,— 
five Indians, who claimed to be lords of the soil, gave 
and executed a deed to Henry WiUard, Joseph Row- 
landson, Joseph Foster, Benjamin Willard, and Cyprian 
Stevens, in consideration of twenty-three pounds of the 
then currency, of a certain tract of land, twelve miles 
square, going under the general name of Naquag, and 
bounded" as follows: - The south corner butting upon 
]\Iuscopague Pond, and running north to auanitick and 
to Wanchatopick, and so running upon great Watchu- 
sett, which is the north corner ; so running northwest 
to Wallamanumpscook, and so to auapuanimawick, a 
little pond, and so to Asnaconcomick Pond, which is the 
northwest corner ; and so running south and so to Muss- 
liauge a great swamp, and so to Sussahatassick which 's 
the^south corner; and so running east to Pascutick- 
quaae, and so to Ahumpatunshauge. a little pond, 
:ind"so to Sumpauge Pond, and to Muscopague, 
which is the east corner." This Indian deed, signed 
nnd acknowledged by the above named Indians, was re- 
ceived April 14, 1714, and recorded in the Registry 
of Deeds for Middlesex County, Vol. xvi, p. 511,— 
Worcester County not having been incorporated until 

April 2, 1731. 

That this deed did not give to the grantees an indis. 
putable legal title to the territory it purported to convey 
i> evident. For prior discovery, or occupancy, by the 



ORDER OF (iKM-RAL COURT. 11 

Indians, was not acknowledged by our legislators and 
courts as creating any fee in the soil ; while discovery 
by the English was recognized as vesting all lands, me- 
diately or immediately, in the Crown. Consequently, 
as this tract of land was included in the grant to the 
colony of Massachusetts, any conveyance of it by the 
natives must be invalid until sanctioned by the Provin- 
cial legislature. And that the original purchasers, re- 
garded the deed as worthless is also obvious. For a 
little more than twenty-six years subsequent to its date, 
we find that the General Court on the 23d of February, 
1713, upon the Petition of the sons and grandsons of 
Major Simon Willard * of Lancaster, deceased, and the 
other heirs of the grantees, for approbation and confirm- 
ation of their title to the above tract of land, passed an 
Order, " That the lands in the Indian deed, and accord- 
ing to their buts and bounds, be confirmed to the child- 
ren of the said Simon Willard, deceased, or to their 
legal representatives, and to the other petitioners, or their 
legal representatives, and associates, provided that with- 
in seven years time there be sixty families settled thereon 
and sullicient lands reserved for the use of a gospel min- 
istry and schools, except what part thereof the Hon. 
Samuel Sevvall, Esq. hath already purchased, and that 
this grant shall not encroach upon any former grant 
or grants, nor exceed the quantity of twelve miles 
square. The town to be called Rutland, and to liye to 
the County of Middlesex." The tract of land purchas- 
ed of the Indians, which was thus conditionally con- 



* Tliis \v;isthe famous Major Willard, who marched with 46 men from Lan- 
«;i»ier tvi UriKikllehl, in 167.1, tor tlie relief of the little band there surrounded 
t'v iii'ire iliun 300 Indiana, and whose memory has been unhappily slandered 
by tradition. 



1"2 DIVISION OF TEKRITORY. 

firmed, comprised in all 93,160 acres, including 1,000 
acres owned by Hon. Mr. Sewall ; and was surveyed by 
William Ward in October, 1715. This purchase, with 
the exception of that owned by Mr. Sewall, was dis- 
tributed amonor the heirs of the original grantees in 
thirty-three shares : Joseph Foster had two, and the 
others had one share each. 

The proprietors, at a meeting held Dec. 14, 1715, at 
Boston, voted to survey six miles square of the territory, 
for the settlement of sixty-two families, in order to the 
fulfillment of the condition of the grant of 1713. The 
settlers, on the 11th of August, 17-20, entered into a 
written agreement with the proprietors, and bound 
themselves by certain articles, signed and witnessed. 
And on the 26ih of June, 1721, this six miles square 
was confirmed to the settlers by the proprietors, and it 
now composes the town of Kutland, which was incor- 
porated by an Act of the Legislature, May 30, 17'22. 

Of the remainder of the Twelve miles' Square, one 
portion, known as " Rutland District," was, by an Act 
of the Legislature, incorporated on the 14th of June, 
1774, and called Barre, as a token of respect to a wor- 
thy friend of America, at that lime a member of the 
British House of Commons ; a second portion, called 
*' the Northeast quarter of Rutland," was incorporated 
on the 13th day of June, 1767, and called Hubbardstou, 
to perpetuate the name and memory of the Hon. Thomas 
Hubbard, Esq. of Boston, who had been someiiiiio 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, a member of 
the Corporation of Harvard University in Cambridge, 
and a large proprietor of lands in Rutland original 
grant ; a third portion was styled " Rutland West ^ViIlg'' 
until the year 1750, when the inhabitants had certain 



nt TLAND EAST WIXG. 13 

privileges granted them, and the place was called the 
** Precinct of Rutland \Vest Wing" until its incorpora- 
tion by an Act of the Legislature, June 7, 17G'2, when 
the name of Oakham was given to it ; a fourth portion, 
with an equal tract from the town of Leicester, was in- 
corporated on the 12th of February, 1T65, as the town 
of Paxton — named after Charles Paxton, a commissioner 
of the customs; while the remaining portion, known as 
'•Rutland East Wing," and comprising 1 1,0'2<) acres, 
now constitutes the southerly and greater part of Prince- 
ton. The last mentioned tract is the only portion of 
the original purchase with which we are intimately 
concerned in this work. 

Agreeable to a vote of the proprietors, this tract was 
surveyed and laid out into forty-eight fiirms, of two 
hundred and thirty-seven acres each and numbered by 
letters, and a strip of two hundred and fifty acres undi- 
vided, which now includes the ''Pout-water^' and " Let- 
ter M " lots. Rev. Thomas Prince, then colleague 
pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, was by far the 
largest proprietor of the tract, he owning nearly three 
thousand acres, the most of which subsequently came 
into the possession of the late Ward N. Boylston, Esq. 
The entire tract was bounded on the north and east by 
the line which separated it from several farms termed 
" Watertown Farms," and which in the Indian deed is 
described * as running from *' Wanchatopick," now de- 

* The line ret«rted to crospcs the Boston road near the " Great Maple," at 
the f«K»t ot the " Whitney hill,^' and, running northwest, leaving the farn)^= o( 
the late Jateei G. Read and Harlow 8kinner a little to the nonh, con^titute.s 
the dividing line betweea those of Messrs. Elisiia & Charles A. Mirirk and 
-Mr. Uavis. " After reachina the heiglit of land near Mr. Enoch finniks's, it 
pnrsiie? a sonlheasterly direction ;uid meets IluUiard^tun line on the land oi 
EzTn Brooks.-' 



14 WATERTOWN FARMS. 

nominated Rutland Pond, to "Great VVatchusett ;" on 
the south by Rutland and Holden ; and on the west by 
lliibbardston. The original proprietors, at the before 
mentioned meeting in Boston, Dec. 14, 1715, chose a 
committee, to which the absolute control of the concerns 
of the proprietary was entrusted, and who made the first 
conveyance of any portion of said territory, subsequent 
to the purchase of the Indians in 1086. 

Another })ortion of territory, now comprised in the 
town of Princeton, was the " Watertown Farms." 
" This was a tract of about three thousand acres, granted, 
tradition says, by the General Court to the town of 
AVatertown, to aid in building and maintaining a bridge. 
I find, after diligent inquiry, no record existing of tlie 
grant, nor any act or clue, by which its date, or specific 
purpose, other than that above stated, can be ascertain- 
ed. It dates, probably, about the year 1745, and was re- 
garded as of little or no value. The line bounding it 
on the north and east, ran from the north boundary of 
Rutland East Wing, beginning at a stake and stones in 
the 'pine woods' on land of Sewell Richardson,* "near- 
ly due north to a stake and stones, still existing, at the 
corner of lands owned by Dea. Israel Howe, James 
Brown, and formerly by Charles Gregory, now by Dan- 
iel Parker. Thence it pursues nearly a westerly direc- 
tion, crossing the county road near the mill-dam of 
James Brown, and passing a little to the south of Dea. 
Howe's dwelling-house, over the top of Pine hill, to the 
easterly side of Wachusett. Whence it pursues a crook- 
ed southerly course, on the side of the mountain, to the 
aforesaid line of Rutland East Wing, which it meets at 
a stake and stones on land of Enoch Brooks. This 

' Formerly owned by the late Col. John Whitney. 



FIRST SETTLE.-SIKXT. 15 

tract was sold by tlie town of VVutertown to sundry pre - 
prietors. At a meeting of these, soon ;ifter the convey- 
ance, a committee, of wlioin I believe Jonas Harrington, 
grandfather of the" late Capt. Benjamin Harrington, 
"was chairmn!!, was chosen to survey the territory, and 
divide it into farms of equal value. This accounts tor 
the inequality in extent of the lots, some containing 
nearly double the number of acres of others. Afierthe 
completion of this survey and division, the lots were 
numbered and drawn by the original proprietors, some of 
whom settled on tiie farms thus obtained, wiiile tlie 
greater portion made a second conveyance of them to 
settle 



n* 



We can find no records which lead us (o conclude 
that any settlement was made on either of the above- 
mentioned tracts of land previous to 1739. The soli- 
tude of the wilderness had remained unbroken, unless 
the occasional report of a huntsman's gun, or the shrill 
whoop of the Indian, echoing among the hills, aroused 
the timid deer, or hungry wolf. Tradition says that 
numbers of both these continued in the vicinity, some- 
time after the first settlers made their homes in the wil- 
derness. Some more than a century had now elapsed, 
since the Pilgrims disembarked from the Mayflower, 
upon the shores of New England. It had been a cen- 
tury of great labor, — of hardships, perils and wars, — to 
the first settlers of the country. During this time, the 
colonies were continually increasing in population and 
importance. Every year witnessed new settlements in 
the wilderness. About this period — Spring of 1739, — 
Mr. Joshua Wilder removed from Lancaster, and clear- 
ed a small spot, beside the brook, a little east of the dwel- 

* Uusscli'd History of Princeton, pp. 3, 4. 



16 FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

ling house on the farm owned by the late Peabody 
Hougliton, and erected thereon a log house, in whicli ho 
with his family resided for many years; probably until 
I7()0. " Mr. Wilder was a saddler by trade, and the son 
of Capt. Nathaniel Wilder of Lancaster, a man some- 
what renowned, in the annals of his time and town, tor 
his temerity and facctiousness. He married a daughter 
of Maj. Jo!in Keyes of Slirewsbury, wlio was also no liiile 
famjus ' in his day and generation.' During the French 
war, somewhere about the year 1760 or Gl, Mr. Wilder 
purchased a large number of cattle for ihe purpose of 
driving them to Canada, and disposing of them at a 
profit to the English army. This intended speculation, 
however, was a total failure. On his arrival at its place 
of destination, with his stock, the war was so far con- 
cluded that he found no sale for it, or at least none at 
any adecpiate price. He returned, broken in property, 
and sold his farm to Benjamin Houghton, who owned 
the adjoining land, and with whom he had some litiga- 
tion as to their respective boundaries. Soon after this 
he removed to Belchertown, then Cold Spring, where he 
died in 1762. Miss Sarah Wilder, his fourth child, was 
the first white person born in Princeton. Her birth oc- 
curred in 1739. In 1762 she was married to Thomas 
Meriam of Westminster, and was the mother of the 
Meriams* at present residing in that place. She died 
1819, at the advanced age of 80 years. The descend- 
ants of Miss Wilder recollect hearing their mother fre- 
quently speak of gathering blueberries in company with 
others on the Meeting-house hill, with a file of soldiers 
to protect them from the Indians."! No otlier seitle- 

* Grandmntlier of Mr. <'lark Meriant, who re«i<Je>' in tiiis town. 
I Rut-sell's History of I'rac ton, p. 7. 



MR. KEYKS' DAUCillTER. 17 

nieiit was probably made, subsequent to thiit of Mr. V^ il- 
der, prior to the year 1750, when Mr. Abijah Moore 
commenced to clear the farm at present owned and oc- 
cupied by Maj. Joseph A. Read. Mr. Moore opened 
tlie first public house that was kept in town. The third 
settlement was made by Mr. Cheever, on what is at the 
present day called the Cobb farm. And in May, 1751, 
(the following year) Mr. Robert Keyes with his family 
removed from Shrewsbury to this place, and se.tled on 
the farm now owned by Amasa Smith, which is situated 
at the foot of the Wachusett, east side. 

On the 14th day of April, 1755, a daughter of Mr. 
Keyes, named Lucy, aged four years and eight months, 
attempting, as was supposed, to follow two of her sisters, 
who had gone to Wachusett Pond, about a mile distant, 
for some sand, and having nothing but marked trees to 
guide her, wandered out of the way, and became lost in 
the forest. The people for nearly thirty miles round 
immediately collected, and in companies traversed the 
woods, day after day, and week after week, searching 
for her, but without success. They also repeatedly 
dragged the neighboring pond. Nothing of the child 
was discovered. Many journeys were taken by the fa- 
ther in consequence of reports, but all in vain. Tlie 
conjectures of the people were and have been various 
as to its fate ; "the most prevalent, and which divers con- 
curring circumstances render most probable," was, that 
it was carried off by the Indians on a visit to the moun- 
tain; and that she soon forgot her native language and 
became as one of the aborigines. *' This was made 
more probable, by the story of two men, who went some 
years after this occurrence from (Jroton, on a trading ex- 
pedition among the Indians on Canada line. They re- 



IS FIRST SETTLE.MKNT. 

lated, on tliuir return, that tliey found living among the 
Indian?, a white woman, who knew notliing further of 
her birth or parentage tlian that she once lived near 
'Chusitt hill: '' 

Mr. Oliver Davis was the first settler in tlie west part, 
and the fifth in the town. He settled on what is at the 
present time called *' Clark hill," in 1751. Mr. Davis 
was industrious and frugal. He did much for the early 
advancement of the new settlement, by his example of 
diligence, and the introduction of useful, especially me- 
chanical, arts. lie purchased a large tract of land, part 
(3f which lay in Princeton, and the remainder in Hub- 
bardston ; and erected a saw-mill on a branch of the 
Ware river. This was not only the first application of 
water power to mechanical purposes in the town, but 
also the first in the immediate vicinity. He also, a short 
time subsequent to this, built a grist mill on the above- 
mentioned river, some half a mile below where the 
" Slab-city" mill now stands.* At a subsequent period 
this was consumed by fire, and both a saw and grist 
mill were afterwards built by him on or near the same 
site. Some of the first mills in Hubbardston were also 
built by him. Three of Mr. Davis's sons enlisted in the 
army, at the commencement of the RevolutiouRry con- 
test, and one fell on the field of battle. Mr. Davis died 
on the 2.jih of January, IHO;}. 

From the consultation of ancient records, or inquir- 
ies amo.'ig the most a^^ed inhabitants, we have not been 
able to decide upon the precise years when settlements 
were made in different parts of the town. During ITo'J, 
and the four or five following years, several settlements 
were commenced in vmious parts of the town. Among 

* /\t present owne.l liy Win. D. Clicever, Esq. 



FIRST SETTI.EMnNT. 



19 



tlie settlers of about this period, were a Mr. Peter Good- 
iiow, on the site where the dwclliiig-house of Charles 
Russell, Esq. now stands ; a Mr. Norcross commenced 
tlie farm at present owned and occupied by Mr. Israel 
Everett ; Caleb Mirick, on the farms occupied by Messrs. 
Elisha and Charles A. Mirick ; Samuel Nichols on Mr. 
Enoch Brook's farm ; Mr. Mede, on the farm at pres- 
ent occupied by Ephraim Osgood; Joseph Eveleth, en 
the farm of the late Capt. Benjamin Harrington; Sam- 
uel Hastings, on the farm of ISlr. George Davis ; James 
Mirick, on the farm now owned by Mr. Geo. O. Skin- 
ner ; Messrs. Thomas Gleason and Gibbs, on the site 
where the Wachusett Hotel now stands. A Mr. Stratton 
also commenced a farm where the '' Union" meeting- 
house now stands. There were also, about this time, 
several settlements made in the west part of the town. 
Among this number, subsequent to the settlement of 
Mr. Davis, were Joseph Rugg, Charles Parmenter, Sadey 
Mason, t^eth Savage, Timothy Keyes, David Parker, 
Robert Cowdin, Mr. Rosier,— Thomas Mason on the 
farm now owned by Joseph Mason,— Mr. Wheeler, and 
subsequently Col. Benjamin Holden from Dedham, on 
the farm now owned by Benjamin Holden, the grandson 
of the latter,— and Isaac Thompson, on the farm of 
Isaac Thompson, 

The first settlers in the town labored under very great 
difficulties for a time, by reason of a rough, mountain. 
ous and rocky soil and the naturally moist state of tlie 
land, for want of passable roads, and from the prodigi. 
ous quantities of heavy timber with which the ground 
was covered. The inhabitants were for some years de- 
pendent on the neighboring towns for most of their 
supplies. They were industrious, however, and in a 



20 ACT OF INCORPORATION. 

few years brought the soil into successful cultivation, 
when grass, especially, was produced in great abun- 
dance — the soil being rich and fertile. 

The toils and dangers of original settlement being 
past, the increasing population and expanding resources 
required municipal powers for the management of the 
common interests of the inhabitants. In 1759, the free- 
holders and proprietors presented a Petition to the Leg- 
islature for Incorporation, whereupon the following Act 
was passed by the General Court: — 

" Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi 

Tricesimo L. S. Tercio. 

"An Act for erecting the East Wing of Rutland, so 
called, in the County of Worcester, and sundry farmy con- 
tiguous thereto, lying between Lancaster and Narraganset 
number two, into a separate District by the name of Prince- 
Town, 

" Whereas a number of the Inhabitants and Proprie- 
tors of the East Wing of Rutland, in the County of 
Worcester, and the proprietors and inhabitants of sun- 
dry Farms contiguous thereto, lying between Lancaster 
and Narraganset No. 2, have represented to this Court 
many difficulties they labour under, and praying that they 
may be made a separate District. 

^^ Therefore^ he it enacted by the Governor, Council, 
and House of Representatives, That the said East Wing 
of Rutland, so called, and sundry Farms lying contigu- 
ous thereto, contained within the bounds hereafter men- 
tioned, be and hereby is erected into a distinct and 
separate District by the name of Prince Town : — viz. 
beginning at the northwest corner of Lancaster second 
Precinct, being also the southwest corner of Leominster,} 



ACT OF INCORPORATION. 21 

from thence running north 54 degrees west seven hun- 
dred and sixty rods to a heap of stones upon the line 
of Narraganset No. 2, from thence running west thirty- 
five degrees south seven hundred and eighty-eight Rods 
to the southern corner of said Narraganset number two, 
then turning and running southeast fifty-six Rod to the 
northeast corner of said Rutland East Wing, then turn- 
ing and running west thirty Degrees south eleven hun- 
dred and sixty Rod, on the northwest line of said 
Wing to the westerly corner of said Wing, then runnino- 
south thirty-nine degrees east sixteen hundred and 
seventy Rod, being the dividing line of the first settlers 
part of Rutland, and the said Wing to the southerly 
corner of said East Wing, then turning and running 
east thirty-five degrees north eleven hundred and fifty 
rods on Holdin line to the corner of said East Wing, 
Holdin and Shrewsbury, and from thence running on 
the same point three hundred and ninety Rod on 
Shrewsbury line to the River, and from thence bound- 
ing on Lancaster second Precinct to the first mentioned 
bounds, and that the said District be and hereby is in- 
vested with all the Privileges, Powers, and Immunities 
that Towns in the Province by Law do or may enjoy^ 
that of sending a Representative to the General Assem- 
bly only excepted. 

'' Provided, nevertheless, and he it further enacted, 
That the said District shall pay their proportion of all 
Town, County and Province taxes already sett or grant- 
ed to be raised on the Towns of Rutland and Lancaster 
as if this act had not been made. 

" And he it further enacted, That William Richard- 
son, Esq. be and hereby is empowered to issue his 
Avarrant to some principal Inhabitant of said District 
3 



22 FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants of said 
District qualified by Law to vote in Town affairs to 
meet at such time and place as shall be therein set forth 
to choose all such officers as shall be necessary to man- 
age the affairs of said District. 

" October 12th, 1759. This Bill having been read 
three several times in the House of Representatives — 
Passed to be enacted. 

S. JVJiife, SjjL 
'' October 16th, 1759. This Bill having been read 
three several times in Council — 

Passed to be enacted. 

A. Oliver, Sec'y. 
" October 20th, 1759. By the Governor. 

I consent to the enacting of this Bill, 

T. Pomnalir 

This district thus incorporated, and which comprised 
nearly 15,000 acres, constituting the main part of 
Princeton, was called Prince Town, to perpetuate the 
name and memory of Rev. Thomas Prince, then col- 
league pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, and a 
large proprietor of this tract of land, as before mention- 
ed, and whose only surviving daughter and child the 
Hon. Judge Gill subsequently married for his first wife. 
At the time of the incorporation there were about thirty 
families in the place. The first physician, by the name 
of Dr. Zackariah Harvey, settled about this time, on the 
farm now owned and occupied by Deacon Ebenezer 
Parker. 

In accordance with the last clause of the act of in- 
corporation, a warrant was issued by William Richard- 
son, of Tiancaster, directed to Dr. Zachariah Harvey ; 
and on the 24th day of December, 1759, the inhabitants 
convened at the house of Abijah Moore, their first dis- 



FIRST ROADS. 'Zd 

trict meeting. Municipal officers were chosen, and 
from that day Princeton assumed her place among the 
regularly organized Districts of the Commonwealth. — 
Several pages are missing from the first volume of the 
Town records, consequently the proceedings of the 
above mentioned meeting are lost. The officers elected 
at this meeting were only chosen to serve until the 
March following, when, as at the present time, the reg- 
ular meeting for an election was held. Hence, the first 
** March meeting" was ponvened in 1760. The first, 
however, of which the proceedings are found on record, 
was held in March, 17G1.* It is very evident from the 
following protest which is transcribed from the records, 
that there was some difficulty at this meeting : — 

" We the subscribers. Inhabitants and freeholders of 
Prince Town District, judging the annual meeting in 
Prince Town District on the 16th, of March, 1761, to 
be illegal, by reason of the meeting not being purged 
from such persons or voters as are unqualified by law 
for voting, we do therefore hereby enter our dissent 
against said meeting, it appearing unlawful. Signed, 
James Thompson, Oliver Davis, 

Isaac Wheeler, Capt. Eliphelet HowCf ' 

Ephm. Allen, Sadey 3Iason, 

TVm. 3Iuzzy^ Gideon Fisher. 

Princetown District, Mar. ye 16th, 1761." 

Previous to the last date, the inhabitants having peti- 
tioned to the General Court, praying said Court to grant 
them a land tax, to enable them to build roads, and also 
to erect a house for Public worship, and having had 
their petition granted, and received the amount of ^337, 

*See a list of officers chosen at said meeting, transcribed from the records, 
ill tlie appendix. 



24 CHARACTER OF SETTLERS. 

public roads were laid out by the Selectmen in 1762, 
according to the instructions of the district. Of these, 
the first completed was " a road from Westminster line 
thro' Allen's farm, thence on the line between the Wing 
and Farms so called; thence thro' the land of Mr. Mo- 
ses Gill and Caleb Mirick, to the meeting-house ; thence 
thro' lots Letter B, No. 9 and 12, Letter H G. No. 22, 
to Holden line." The first settlers must have had ro- 
mantic notions; for it appears that they were in the 
habit of constructing their roads over the highest hills. 
The manner of locating their roads also was somewhat 
peculiar.* And what is still more remarkable, they 
" endeavored to locate their meeting-house as near 
heaven as possible'' — placing it on the summit of the 
highest point of land, except that of the old Wachusett. 
After repeated requests preferred to the district by sev- 
eral of the inhabitants, it was granted to them in 1768, 
to pay their highway taxes, by work on the new roads 
most needed, and the price was fixed for the labor of 
man and beast. A short time subsequent to this period, 
many of the other roads at present existing in the town 
were built. Great sums have been appropriated for 
roads from time to time. 

* See in the appendix. 



CHAPTER II. 

Character of the First Settlers— Their Ancestry— Increase of Popniation— 
Province Lands — Land granted by the General Court to the First settled 
Minister — Petition to be Incorporated as a Town — Act of Incorporation — 
Opposition of the Town to the addition of Territory- First Representa- 
tive-Boundary. 

In tracing the history of Princeton, we are approach- 
ing the close of that generation of men, who may be 



CHARACTER OF SETTLERS. 25 

called, the the Jirst settlers of the town. Our minds, 
however, linger around this period with the most in- 
tense interest. The men of that day had difficulties, 
perplexities and trials, to endure and overcome, such as 
are in a measure experienced in the settlement of all 
new colonies ; yet not in the eminent degree, perhaps, 
that they were by the first settlers of these regions. — 
The adventurer who at the present day penetrates tlie 
distant west, or the regions of California, may carry 
with him some of the comforts of civilized life, but this 
could not be obtained at the period of the settlement of 
Princeton ; for but a few of the luxuries of existence 
were known in the country. 

On the other hand, these early settlers were persons 
of decision, boldness, enterprise and independence. — 
They left their native town or country, and bid adieu to 
friends, acquaintance, a father's house, a pleasant home, 
to take up their abode in a howling wilderness, exposed 
day and night, whether in the hut or field, to the lurk- 
ing and ravenous bear and wolf, — to cultivate a dreary 
wasle, and this, too, under a thousand difficulties. Yet 
to clear the forest, erect houses, construct roads, build 
bridges, maintain schools, and support the gospel minis- 
try, were enterprises most cheerfalJy undertaken. — 
Merely to live was not the whole o^ life with them, it 
was the height of tlieir ambition to live as honest men, 
good neighbors, honorable citizens, and accountable to 
their Creator. They were not inferior to that genera- 
tion of men whose settlement in New England consti- 
tutes so important an epoch in history, and v/liose fame 
knows no limits other than the whole civilized world. — 
They were men possessing the sentiments of the Pil- 
grims ; men who understood and highly valued both rc- 
3* 



26 INCREASE OF POPULATION. 

Jigious and civil freedom ; who cheerfully suffered for 
its enjoyments ; who were determined on its maintain- 
ance and promotion ; and who zealously labored to pre- 
pare their children for its support and perpetuation. — 
They understood, appreciated and loved the truth. — 
They prayed and labored for its diffusion. They cul- 
tivated and exhibited the evangelical spirit and faith of 
the gospel. Such were the men who settled here, and 
such their character. The charge of excessive vanity 
has not unfrequently been cast upon the people of New 
England, for speaking in terms which betray warm ad- 
miration for the character of their ancestors. And yet, 
those who would reproach us as being judges, there is 
truth, confessedly, in an artfully expressed sentiment of 
a writer of antiquity. " The Lord sifted the kingdoms 
of Europe to obtain good seed wherewith to plant the 
sterile fields of Ne.v England.'' 

A large proportion of the families first settling in 
Princeton, could trace their ancestry back to the earlier 
settlers of New England. Many came from Lancaster, 
some from Concord, some from Weston, some from 
Sudbury, and others from Dedham, Lexington, Water- 
town, Medfield and various other towns in different 
parts of the Province. 

Some twelve years subsequent to its incorporation as 
a District, Princeton had increased in numbers and 
wealth to a considerable extent. In 1759 there were, 
probably, not more than twenty-five or thirty legal 
voters, while in 1771 the number had augmented to 
nearly one hundred ; and when the census was taken in 
1791, a still later period, there were one hundred and 
forty-four dwelling-houses and 1,01G inhabitants in the 
place. In addition to the two tracts of land which were 



TOWN INCORPORATION. 27 

incorporated into the District in 1759, there were con- 
tiguous thereto some thousands of acres of Province 
land, which had never been incorporated into any dis- 
trict; — with the exception of five hundred acres, mainly 
lands on the Wachusett mountain, and which at a subse- 
quent period were granted by the General Court to tlie 
Rev. Timothy Fuller, in consideration that he was the 
first minister and settled upon a small salary in the in- 
fancy of the town.* In 1765, the District chose 
Samuel Woods, Joseph Eveleth and Boaz Moore, a 
committee, and instructed them " to send," in behalf of 
said district, " a petition t to the Great and General 
Court for the province land in this district." *' Of the 
adjoining Province lands, one thousand acres known as 
the ' Potash farm,' were granted to one Plastid, in case 
he should teach the people the manufacture of potash. 
Buildings were erected and the manufacture commenced. 
For some reason, however, Plastid failed to obtain the 
land, and it was subsequently granted to Gen. Ruggles, 
for some military service in the French war. The re- 
mainder of the Province land was probably settled by 
adventurers or taken up by speculators." 

In 1770, it was voted by the District to petition the 
General Court to be incorporated into a town ; and 
accordingly, the Selectmen were appointed a commit- 
tee for this purpose. During this y«ar, or early the 
succeeding one, they forwarded to the General Court 
the Petition which follows, and which eventuated in the 
sought for Act of Incorporation, a copy of which Act 
we also subjoin. 

* See Appendix, for a copy of the Petition and Resolve upon which said 
land was given to Mr. Fuller. 

t No copy of this Petition, or of the one for incorporation in 17.j0, ex of 
fliat of the town in 1772, is to be found. 



28 PETITION FOR INCORPORATION. 



^'Province of Massachusetts Bay. 

*'To His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Gov- 
ernor and Commander-in-Chief in and over said Province, 
The Honorable His Majesty's Council and House of Rep- 
resentatives in General Court assembled at Cambridge. 

*' The Petition of Princetown, in the County of Wor- 
cester, humbly shews, That said place composed of 
Province Land and other Lands, and Farms which never 
before belonged to any Town or District to the Amount 
of near eight thousand acres, together with a part of the 
original grant of twelve miles square to the Proprietors 
of Rutland, which part was never incorporated into the 
Town of Rutland or any other Town, as many of this 
Honorable Court are well knowing,was in the year 1760 
— 1759 — erected into a District by the name of Prince- 
town, and was not annexed to any Town to join wilh 
them in the choice of Representative, and never can 
join with any, without being subject to greater difficul- 
ties than any District lately made by reason of the dis- 
tance, and badness of the Roads. 

*' Your petitioners therefore humbly pray (seeing said 
District was composed of lands, which never before be- 
longed to any town or District) you would out of your 
wonted goodness erect said place into a Town, with all 
the powers and privileges which are enjoyed by other 
Towns in this Province. 

''And as in duty bound wili ever pray. 

Ebcnezcr Jones, 1 

Joseph Sargent A ^^^^^„ 

lionz Moore, j 

Caleb Mirick, J 



ACT OF INCORPORATION. 29 



" Anno Regni Regis Georgii 

Tesiii L. S. Undecimo. 

"An Act to erect the District of Prince Town into a 
Town by the name of Princeton. 

" Whereas tlie Inhabitants of the District of Prince 
'l^ovvn liave Petitioned this Court to be Incorporated 
into a Town that they may enjoy the privileges of other 
Towns in this Province, 

" Be it therefore enacted hi/ the Governor Council, and 
House of Representatives, That the District of Prince 
Town in the County of Worcester, ivith cdl the lands 
adjoining to said District not included in any other 
Town or District, be and liereby is incorporated into a 
Town by the name of Princeton, and that the Inhabi- 
tants thereof be and hereby are invested with ail the 
powers, privileges and immunities which the Inhabitants 
of the several Towns w'ithin this Province do enjoy. 

"April \7thy 1771. This bill having been read three 
several times in the House of Representatives — 
Passed to be enacted. 

Thomas Cushing, Spcaler. 

''April I9th, 1771. This Bill having been read 
tliree several times in Council — 

Passed to be enacted. 

Thomas Flucker, Stc'y. 

*' April 24th, 177 \. By the Governor. 

I consent to the enactment of this Bill. 

T. Hutchinson^ 

The inhabitants of Princeton, as appears from the 
town records, were strongly opposed to the addition of 
territory to the original district, which was made by the 
above act of the General Court. Hence they passed, in 



30 ADDITION OF TERRITORY. 

Oct. 1771, the following vote : — " That it is the opinion 
of the town, that it is a hardship both to this town and 
the farms lately laid to it, that they should be annexed, 
inasmuch as they are in no way accommodated to it, 
and that it is impracticable that they should receive 
privileges that they be not rated." In May following, it 
was voted, " That a petition be prepared to" be pre- 
sented to the General Court then *' setting in Cambridge, 
praying that the land lately annexed to this town may 
be taken off;" and the town also chose a committee 
consisting of Joseph Eveleth, William Thompson and 
Joseph Sargent, for this purpose. This petition, as be- 
fore stated in a note, has been lost by some means. — 
The land alluded to, is probably that which at the present 
time constitutes the northern part of the town, known 
by the name of " Notown," which was undoubtedly an- 
nexed at that time, — inasmuch as the above act of the 
General Court embraced " all the lands adjoining said 
District" not previously incorporated in any district or 
town ; but which was also, it would seem, on the prayer 
of this petition " taken off." It was finally annexed 
again by an act of the Legislature in 1838. The great 
objection to the annexation of the " farms" was, that 
roads were to be built through them, at the expense of 
the town ; which would in their view be *' an unrepara- 
ble and unsupportable burden to the inhabitants." 

The town after the passage of the above act of incor- 
poration had the right of a representation, but as this 
must have been at their own expense, it was voted in 
1772 and 1773 not to send a representative, on account 
of the " extraordinary cost" and also the " great ex- 
pense of making roads." The first representative of 
the town was Moses Gill, who was chosen in 1774 to 



BOUNDARY. 31 

represent it in the General Court to be held in Salem, 
Oct. 5. It was the custom of ihe town, at that early- 
date, to give written instructions to their representa- 
tives.* The manner of calling the early town meetings, 
was to divide the town into " ranges," usually two, and 
a constable was appointed for each " range," whose 
duty it was to give personal notice to each inhabitant. 

The territory of Princeton at the present time consists 
of ''Rutland East Wing," containing about 11,G2G 
acres ; of the *' Watertown Farms,'' about 3,000 acres ; 
of Province lands, incorporated in 1759, nearly 2000 
acres; and of lands annexed, in 1771, about 2500 
acres; and about 500 acres set off from Hubbardston, 
on petition of the owners in 1810 ; and about 500 acres 
from " No Town" in 1S38. The town is situated some 
fifty miles from Boston, about due west ; and fourteen 
miles from Worcester, nearly north ; — and is bounded 
on the north by Westminster, on the east by Sterling, 
on the south by Holden and Rutland, and on the west by 
Hubbardston. 

' For the instructions given to Mr. Gill m 1774 see succeeding chapter- 



CHAPTER III. 

American Revolution— First expression of the town in relation to revolutiona- 
ry measures — Resolutious — Committee of correspondence — Alarm — Prep- 
arations for war — Instructions to representative — Declaration of riglits — 
Bounty to the minute men— The citizens leave their homes for the contest : 
Trouble with Rev. Mr. Fuller— Declaration of Independence— Regulation 
of the currency— War terminated. 

We have now reached an epoch of the deepest interest 
in our history. ** The middle of the century had scarcely 



33 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 

past, before the shadows of oppression began to darken 
tlie land, and the first tremulous motions of the revolu- 
tion, which finally upheaved the colonial government, 
were felt. The collision of popular privilege with royal 
prerogative, maintained during successive years by the 
representatives, had prepared the people for the investi- 
gation of the principles on which their connection with 
the mother country rested, and waked their vigilance 
for the protection of chartered and inherited rights." — 
The long series of wars* which they had previously en- 
dured, were doubtless useful schools, diffusing military 
spirit, and imparting knowledge of strength and skill, 
and confidence for repelling encroachments. 

When the appeal to arms approached, however, some 
of the colonists were filled with fear. And this is not 
to be wondered at, since the match was most unequal. 
There was on the one side, no organized regiment, no 
fortified town, no ship of war, no money, no arms nor 
military stores; while on the other there was a well dis- 
ciplined army, with eminent officers, an extensive and 
powerful navy, an abundance of money, arms and 
stores, sustained by a reputation for military bravery 
that made their name a terror to all Europe. Besides, 
they had been educated with sentiments of veneration 
for the Crown 'of England, to which they had sworn 
fidelity, being indebted to its bounty for the honors and 
wealth they possessed. Some among them viewed the 
opposition to the measures of government premature, in 
its advance to extremities. The times, however, did 
not admit of a middle course. For the crisis had al- 
ready arrived. 

And it was found that the American colonists, gencr^ 

* Indian and French Wars. 



REVOLUTIOKARY MEASURES. 33 

ally were so inflexible in their adherence, on all occa- 
sions, to truth ; — so elevated, expansive, and practical 
were their views ; so keen were their sensibilities to 
what was wrong and injurious ; so steadfast their deter- 
mination to secure what w^as just; so vigilant their 
guardianship of their inalienable rights ; and so ardently 
were they attached to the principles of liberty ; — that, 
with comparatively few exceptions, there existed but one 
feeling, sentiment and aim, and that was to secure their 
just rights ; and if this could be effected in no other 
way, to do it by the Declaration of Independence. — 
However the colonists were divided in other things, 
they were united in this. However different in their 
departments of effort, all converged to this one great 
point. 

The earliest expression of opinion, on the records of 
the town of Princeton in relation to revolutionary 
measures, was entered on the 7th of March, 1768, when 
the people, at their annual town meeting, manifested 
their indignation at the promulgation of the act of Par- 
liament imposing duties on paper, glass, painters' colors 
and tea, imported into the colonies. They did this bv 
concurrincr with certain resolutions* to encourage do* 
mestic manufactures and refrain from purchasing the 
taxed articles, which were passed by the inhabitants of 
Boston, at a meeting held October, 1767. 

From this period to 1773 no doings of the inhabitants, 
in their corporate capacity, mark the progress of the 
spirit of independence. A letter of correspondence! 

* The Legislature adopted lesolves of similar import, Feb. 2G. 

t Tiie letter of correspondence to the town, closes with these words : — 

•' Let us consider, brethren, we are stnigglinir for our best birth right and in- 

lieritance, \(hich being infringed renders all our blessings precarious in their 

.enjoyment, and consequently tritling in their value. Let iis disappoint th« 



34 RESOLUTIONS. 

received from Boston, called the attention of the town, 
at a meeting held in January, 1773, to the grievances 
under which the province labored. A committee was 
appointed to consider the contents of said letter, who 
presented the following resolutions at the adjournment, 
January 25, which exhibits the spirit that animated the 
bosoms of our fathers in those days which " tried men's 
souls." They were unanimously passed by the town : — 

*' Resolved, 1st, That the connection between the mo- 
ther country and these colonies is of great consequence 
to both, if mutually kept up ; but when digressions are 
made from established compacts, that connection begins 
to lessen, and of course, creates an alienation, the ef» 
fects of which must be attended with bad consequences. 
For the resolute man, in a just cause, while in a state 
of freedom, never will consent to any abridgements or 
deprivations of his just rights, and disdains threats or 
any measures of compulsion to submission thereto — not 
like the dog, the more he is beaten the more he fawns ; 
but on the contrary, with a noble mind, defends to the 
last, and every stripe stimulates his efforts and endeav*. 
ors, in defence of his own country's cause. 

" 2. — That this town, as a part of their province, 
whensoever their rights, liberties, and properties, are in^ 
fringed upon, by what authority soever, that they, in 
honor to their forefathers, by whose solicitude and indus- 
try, under God, they for many years have enjoyed the 
fruits of their labors — for the regard they bear to pos^ 
terity — as friends to their country, have good right to 

men, who are raising tliemselveson the ruin of this country. Let us convince 
every invader of our freedom tliat we will be as tree as the ConstitutioA ou? 
fathers jecognizcd will justify." 



RESOLUTIONS. 35 

complain, an<l manifest their uneasiness at such pro- 
ceedings. 

" 3. — That the repeated attempts to make the people 
of this province subject to unjust taxation, and absolute 
dependency upon the crown, together, appear subversive 
of, and inconsistent with, the constitution of a free 
people. 

"4. — That such measures are unconstitutional, and 
demand the attention of all well disposed people, and a 
mutual connection and joint adherence in proper means 
for redress, that thereby the rights and liberties, civil 
and religious^ which have been transmitted to us from 
our illustrious ancestors, might be kept inviolate by us 
their posterity. 

** 5 — That they shall be always ready to concur in all 
just and proper means that this province and the neigh- 
boring colonies may come into for the common good, 
piud in conjunction with the friends of liberty, shall bear 
testimony to all invasions upon our rights and liberties. 

'*6. — That the report (these resolutions) be put on the 
town record, that posterity may know they had a sense 
of their invaluable rights and liberties, and were not 
willing to part with them, but by their own consent, and 
that they arc determined to vindicate and supiwrt tlicm as 
time and occasions may call* 

Ephraim IVoohon^ "] 

Boaz Moore, ' r!ommittec " 

±jbejiezer Jones, { 
Charles Brooks. j 

At the annual town meeting in March, 1774, it was 
voted "to choose a committee of correspondence to com- 

* A copy of tlio above resolutions- were transmuted to the inhabitants at 
Boston, by the Clerk. 



^5(5 COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE. 

municate with committees of correspondence in other 
towns in this province, to give the earliest intelligence to 
the inhabitants of this town, of any designs that they 
shall discover, at any subsequent period, against our 
natural and constitutional rights." Accordingly, Capt. 
Benjamin Holden, Joseph Everleth, Samuel Woods, Wil- 
liam Thompson, John Jones, Adonijah Howe, and Sadey 
Mason, were elected a committee of correspondence, — 
four of whom were to constitute a quorum. 

The records of the town of Princeton exhibit the 
brightest evidence of the devotion of its inhabitants to 
their country's inalienable rights. They were not only 
ready to pass resolves which breathed the spirit of pa* 
triotism ; but they were also ready to seal their devo- 
tion to their country's cause, by death on the battle- 
field, if need be. Hence, when the alarm* reached the 
place, that a band of the King's troops had made an ex- 
cursion by night, up the Mystic river, and carried off a 
quantity of gunpowder deposited in the arsenal in the 
•northwest part of Charlestown, the effect was electric. 
And tradition says that a part of the night was spent by 
some in changing pewter platters into musket bullets, 
and in preparation for immediate engagement. As soon 
•as these arrangements could be completed, several of 
the inhabitants marched, and were on their way, when 
the return of messengers from Boston assured them 
their further advance was unnecessary. 

It has been supposed by some that the occasion had 
been seized to try the spirit of the inhabitants at large, 
that they might thereby ascertain the extent and strength 
of the resolution of resistance. And such was the 
spirit animating the community, that men who had 

* The exact date of this alarm '^^'•e are not able to state. 



ALARM, 37 

never seen the tents of an enemy, left the plough in the 
furrow, and the sickle in the harvest, and went out to 
meet the trained foe, without discipline, equipments, or 
munitions,* It is said by one historian : " There came 
men without officers, and officers without men, long 
fowling pieces and short blunderbusses, muskets of all 
sorts and sizes, some without locks, others without 
stocks, and many without lock, stock, or barrel ; car- 
tridge boxes, shot belts, powder horns, swords, hatchets, 
snickersees, crow bars, and broom sticks all mingled 
together." Ample evidence was afforded of steadfast 
determination to meet even the dreadful appeal to war, 
and a sufficient pledge was given of the support every 
town might hope from its n-eighbors in extremity. 

One beneficial result from this excitement, was the 
admonition of the necessity of a better preparation for 
the contest which was now evidently approaching. At 
a meeting held in Princeton, but a short time subse- 
quent to that period, the selectmen were instructed to 
purchase two barrels of gunpowder, one hundred weight 
of lead and three hundred flints, to add to the town 
stock. This vote evinces both a foresight of conse- 
quences and determinateness of action on the part of 
the town. 

In October, Moses Gill was elected representative to 
the General Court to be held in Salem, and Benjamin 
Ilolden delegate to the provincial Congress to be as- 
sembled at Concord. The former was instructed, *' ab- 
t;olutcIy to refuse to be sworn to represent said town by 
any unconstitutional officer,'^ and, "In case the Generai 
Courl is prevented setting constitutionallT/ to repair to 
Concord, and join the provincial Congress." The in- 

* COOO from Worcester Countj', 
4* 



38 INSTRUCTIONS. 

structions to the latter required that he should " use his 
greatest influence to prevent all arbitrary acts of Parlia- 
ment taking place, evidently tending to destroy the lib- 
erties and privileges of this and the other provinces," 
and also to '•' endeavor to make provision for and come 
into such measures as shall be for the peace and good 
order of this Province." 

Gov. Gage was a royalist, and becoming alarmed by 
the spirit of the instructions that were given to the rep- 
resentatives in most towns, and the stormy aspect of 
the times, issued his proclamation, declaring that it was 
expedient the session of the General Court, summoned 
to be held the 5th of October, should not be held ; at 
the same time discharging the members from attend- 
ance ; and announcing his intention not lo meet the as- 
sembly. But the current of popular feeling was not 
thus to be diverted. The representatives elect assem- 
bled at Salem, and, resolving themselves into a provin- 
cial Congress, elected John Hancock President, and 
Benjamin Lincoln Secretary, and immediately adjourn- 
ed to Concord. Here measures were taken for arming 
the whole province ; twelve thousand men were to be 
raised, and to hold themselves ready to march at a mo- 
ment's warning. 

The patriotic resistance to invasions of liberty was 
not confined to municipal corporations or general asem- 
blies of citizens. The fervid enthusiasm, pervading the 
whole fabric of society, manifested itself in varied forms. 
The following document is found appended to the sec- 
ond volume of the records of the town, without date. — 
It appears to be an oath of allegiance or declaration. — 
It breathes the spirit of the times ; and was probably 
drawn some time during the year 1774 : 



OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. 99 

" I do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, tes- 
tify, and declare, that the Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts is, and of right ought to be, a free, sovereign, and 
independent State. And I do swear that I will bear 
true faith and allegiance to the said Commonwealth, and 
that I will defend the same against all traitorous con- 
spiracies and hostile attempts whatsoever — and that I do 
renounce and abjure all allegiance, subjection, and obe- 
dience to the King or government of Great Britain, and 
every other foreign power whatsoever. And that no for- 
eign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or 
ought to have any jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminence, 
authority, dispensing, or other power, in any matter, 
civil, ecclesiastical, or spiritual, within this Common- 
wealth — except the authority and power which is or may 
be vested by their constituents in the Congress of the 
United States ; And I do further testify and declare that 
no man, or body of men hath or can have any right to 
absolve or discharge me from the obligation of this oath, 
declaration, or affirmation — and that I do make this ac- 
knowledgment, profession, testimony, declaration, deni- 
al, renunciation, and abjuration, heartily and truly, ac- 
cording to the common meaning and acceptation of the 
foregoing words, without any equivocation, mental eva- 
sion, or secret reservation whatsoever, so help me God, 
"Signed, 
Sadey Mason, Samuel Woods, 

Benjamin Ilolden, Boaz Moore, 

Ebcnczer Parker, William Thompson, 

William Dodds, Humphrey Moore, 

Enoch Brooks, Jonas Smith.^^ 

This is a most explicit declaration of independence. 



40 rREPARATIONS FOR WAR. 

Whatever may be its age it breathes the same spirit 
that is found in the splendid document of 1776, wliich 
proclaimed the dissolution of all ties of colonial relation 

The commencement of the year, 1775, was a period 
of intense interest. The difficulties between England 
and her American colonies were fast hastening to a de- 
cision by the appeal to battle. The coercive measures 
of the British Parliament required the Colonists to ac- 
knowledge principles subversive of true liberty. Peti- 
tions and remonstrances failed to reconcile the parties. 
The Colonists, who might at the outset have been con- 
tented with the redress of grievances, and by reasonable 
concessions, now looked forward to the accomplishment 
of independence. The indomitable perseverance of 
the ministration left no hope of reconciliation. " The 
language of moderation was still on the lips of men, but 
stern determination in their hearts. It was like the 
pause on the eve of fight, when the signal for engage- 
ment is impatiently awaited." Preparations for the 
conflict were actively, though silently, made, both on 
the part of the British and the colonies. 

The town records show the people of Princeton to 
have been not behind their neighbors in their prepara- 
tions for the struggle that was about to commence. In 
March, ** the standing company" were directed to 
"train once a week," and to "put themselves in a 
proper position for defence."* At the same time, it 
was voted to procure seventy-two dollars for the use of 
the company of minute men, besides the necessary ac- 
coutrements. This company consisted of thirty-six men. 
The selectmen were instructed to pay said money "when 

* The officers of tliis company were Ebenezer Jones, Captain 5 JoscjiJi Ftir- 
'Ccnl, Lieutenant ; and Samuel Hastings, Ensigiu 



MILITIA. 41 

ihey marched." Their services were soon to be required 
in their country's defence. On the 19th of April, an 
express came to the town, shouting " to arms ; the war 
is begun." As the news spread, the implements of hus- 
bandry were thrown aside in the field, and the citizens 
left their homes with no greater delay than was needful 
to seize their arms. In a short time, the minute men 
were paraded and took up their line of march towards 
Lexington and Concord. 

While the military strength of the town was arrayed 
in arms against the troops of the King, the committee of 
correspondence were dealing with the internal enemies 
of the country. The following vote is recorded on the 
town records, May 24 : "Voted on reading the paper 
received from the Congress, that the committee of cor- 
respondence retire to receive the complaint of any per- 
son against any one suspected to be unfriendly to their 
country, and that they make their report of such persons 
complained of to the town for their further considera- 
tion." The committee, upon their return, reported that 
the Rev. Mr. Timothy Fuller and Lieut. Caleb Mirick 
are complained of as pt^rsons suspected to be unfriendly 
to their country — Mr. Fuller for refusing to call a Fast* 
last year, and for his public discourse to the minute 
company the last Fastt as tending to discourage people in 
defending their rights and liberties, and for taking cattle 
suspected to be Col. Jones' property ; Mr. Mirick for 
taking cattle suspected to be Col. Jones' and for enter- 
taining tories at sundry times, — which complaint being 

* A Fast appointed by the General Court, diiring its session in 1774 in imi- 
tation of their pious ancestors, "who on all occasions of couiinon danger and 
distress devoutly looked to God for direction and favor." 

t Mr. Fuller's lext on th»t occasion was the following : " Let not liiin that 
girdeth on the harnesrs boast liiniself as he that puiteUi it off." 



42 REV. MR. FULLER. 

read, the town' then voted " that Mr. Fuller and Lieut. 
Caleb Mirick* be inquired of for their conduct touching 
said complaint." 

At an adjournment of this meeting, June 20th, I\Ir. 
Fuller presented a "paper to the town for their consider- 
ation," vindicating himself from the above-named-charg- 
es. The town, however, voted that said " paper " was 
unsatisfactory, and at the same time voted " to hear Mr. 
Fuller a fortnight longer in order to inquire into his late 
conduct; " and also that an addition of four be made to 
the committee of correspondence for this purpose, and 
made choice of Messrs. John Ellis, Ephraim Hartwell, 
Charles Brooks, and Joseph Phelps accordingly. At the 
expiration of the time, the committee of correspondence 
presented a second *' paper •' from Mr. Fuller, which 
shared. a like fate with the first.t At this meeting, af- 
ter the rejection of said "paper," it v^^as moved to choose 
a committee *' to draw up something further for Mv. Ful- 
ler to sign as satisfactory to the town and to make re- 
port of the same." The following were elected : Sadey 
Mason, Capt. Moore, Dea. Howe, Charles Brooks, and 
Joseph Eveleth. Attempts were made to reconsider the 
the last mentioned vote, but they were ineffectual. Con- 
sequently the above-mentioned committee, at a subse- 
quent meeting, held June 20th^ reported a "paper" for 
the Rev. Mr. Fuller to sign as satisfactory to the town." 
It was then moved, seconded and voted that J/r. Fuller 
sign the paper before tlie town act upon it ; accordingly 
agreeable to said vote the paper was signed by Mr. Ful- 
ler, in presence of the town; it was then put, to see if 

* No further action was taken on Mr. Mirick's ca e. The inference is t ha 
he satisfied the town of the rectitude of his conduct and intentions. 

t Neither of these " papers" are on the records of the town. They aro 
probably among the tilings that were. 



REV. MR. FULLER. 43 

the town were satisfied with said papers for his past con- 
duct, so far as it appeared unfriendly to the common 
cause, and it zoas voted not satisfactory. 

Tiiis procedure on the part of the town was a strange 
anomaly. It is very evident, whatever might have been 
the character of this *' paper," it having been drawn up 
by men who were firm supporters of the revolution, and, 
of course, opposed to all who were royalists, that but 
one thing should have prevented its being satisfactory — 
and that was, Mr. Fuller's refusal to sign it. But they 
did not let the matter rest here. On the IGth of Aug. 
the town voted to request Mr Fuller to ask a dismission, 
and also chose a committee to wait on Mr. Fuller and 
acquaint him with the above request. And on the 2Sth 
of the same month, a committee was chosen, consisting 
of Lieut. Mirick, Dea. Keyes, Mr. Brigham, Mr Woods, 
and Abner Howe, " to draw up reasons " why the town 
made said request. At the same time, the committee 
of correspondence reported, in reference to his political 
conduct, representing him as being unfriendly to the 
rights and liberties of America. At the adjournment of 
this meeting on the 3 1st, Mr. Fuller presented a third 
" paper," in accordance with the request made by a 
committee in behalf of the town. But this, as might be 
expected, was equally unsatisfactory with the two pre- 
ceeding. Oct. 5th it was voted by the town to request 
the assistance of some of the committee of correspon- 
dence in the neighboring towns "to advise respecting 
Mr. Fuller's conduct as a tory." Dec. 26th, a commit- 
tee consisting of John Ellis, Ebeneezer Hartwell, Capt. 
Moore, William Thompson and Thomas Mason were 
elected, who in conjunction with a committee of the 
church, were to prepare allegations against Mr. Fuller, 



44 REV. MR. FULLER. 

and on the 8th of January following, the town voted to 
unite with the church in calling a council, ** if upon the 
advice the church and town committees should obtain, 
should make it appear proper to have a council." Ac- 
cordingly a council* was convened at Princeton, to take 
into consideration the propriety of Mr. Fuller's dismis- 
sion ; and on the 19th of March the council advised to 
his dismission, and consequently he was dismissed, by a 
vote of the church on the 20th, and the town on the 
24th. At the same time the town chose a commit- 
tee consisting of Lieut. Caleb Mirick, Dea. Adonijah 
Howe, Joseph Haynes, Samuel Moseman, Lieut. Joseph 
Eveleth, James Mirick, and Nathaniel Cutler, " to keep 
Mr. Fuller out of the pulpit." Thig committee were 
faithful in attending to the duty assigned them, and 
standing on the pulpit stairs, as required by law, " did 
on the following Sunday, with force and arms, restrain 
and keep out of the said pulpit, him the aforesaid Tim- 
othy Fuller." The dealings of the town with Mr. Ful- 
ler, were of no gentle character ; and they evince the 
" revolutionary enthusiasm" which pervaded the inhab- 
itants at that time. During the whole revolutionary 
struggle the same spirit was manifested. They cheer- 
fully met the demands of the State and Congress, to 
whatever sacrifice it might subject them. In January, 
as recommended by Congress, a contribution of money 
and provisions was raised for the towns of Boston and 
Charleslown. 

On the 1st of May, a resolve of the Continental Con- 
gress provided for the removal of the indigent inhabi- 
itants of Boston, estimated to number five thousand, and 

* Tlie proceedings of said council,"ancl also of tlie church, narrated under 
another liead. Chapter G. 



AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 45 

their distribution among the towns of the interior. The 
proportion of Princeton was 24, which the town voted 
to receive. 

March, 4th, 1776, it was voted to add two persons to 
the committee of correspondence in the place of Col. 
Benjamin Holden and Capt. John Jones who had joined 
the continental army. 

Men were drafted, in the early part of the year, for 
the reinforcement of the army investing Boston, by the 
officers of the militia and the selectmen. At this time 
several were levied in Princeton. 

On the 14th of June, a motion was made, to see if 
the town would support independence, if it should be 
declared ; and it was voted unanimously to "■ concur 
with the Continental Congress, in case they shall de- 
clare independency." July 14, 1770, the Declaration 
of Independence was received. " This instrument, the 
eloquent echo of sentiments as boldly expressed, in less 
splendid form, from almost every village of New Eno-- 
land, long before they were promulgated in that paper 
which has been reverenced as the Magna Charta of 
Freedom," was hailed with joy by the inhabitants of 
Princeton, and stands recorded on ihe town's records. 

On the 10th of September, one fifth part of the mili- 
tia of the State of Massachusetts were called out imme- 
diately to march to New York, to prevent the enemy 
from cutting off the communication between the Amer- 
ican army in the city and on the island of New York, 
and the country. One fourth part that remained of the 
military, were required to be equipped and ready to 
march at a moment's warning siiould their services be 
needed. Frequent demands were made for soldiers for 
the defence of Boston and other exposed places. Prince- 
5 



46 REGULATION OF PRICES. 

ton answered each call, following in quick succession, 
to the utmost extent of her means. 

On the 30th of September, it was submitted to the 
people to determine, whether they would consent, that 
the House of Representatives and Council in Conven- 
tion, should adopt such constitution and frame of gov- 
ernment, as, on mature deliberation, they should judge 
would be most conducive to the safety, peace, and hap- 
piness of the State in after generations. The town 
voted that they have the power, to adopt, a "new Consti- 
tution" and frame a system of government for this State. 

To prevent monopoly upon such articles as were con- 
sidered the necessaries of life, the Selectmen, and com- 
mittee of correspondence were empowered by an act of 
the Provincial Congress, to fix and establish ultimum 
prices. A committee was chosen May 26, to prosecute 
all breaches of the regulations reported for the sale of 
said articles, in Princeton. 

But a short time elapsed before the beneficial results 
of the regulations established throughout the Common^ 
wealth, were defeated, by the fluctuations of the curren- 
cy unsustained by a metallic basis, which finally depre- 
ciated to worthlessness. 

The year 1777, had scarcely commenced when a 
requisition was made for every seventh of the male iui- 
habitants, over 16 years of age, to complete the quota of 
Massachusetts, in the continental army to serve for eight 
months at least. At a meeting of the inhabitants of 
Princeton, in March, it was voted to give twenty pounds 
to each man that would enlist in the continental army 
for three years or during the war. 

In March each town was required to procure, and de- 
liver, shirts, stockings, and other clothing for the Mas=- 



RELIEF THE CURRENCY. 47 

sachusetts soldiers in the continental army, in the pro- 
portion of one set to every seven males over IG years of 
age of the population. Princeton supplied her propor- 
tion, for which compensation was subsequently made. 

Aug. 9, fourteen men were drafted to join the north- 
ern army three weeks under Gen, Lincoln. 

The inhabitants expressed their approbation of tlie 
articles of confederation of the United States, and their 
determination to support the government by their ut- 
most exertions. 

A constitution for the State reported by a committee 
of the General Court, in December 1777, and approved 
by that body in January following, was submitted to the 
people in April, and approved by a very small majority. 
Of 37 votes given in Princeton, twenty were in favor 
and seventeen opposed to acceptance. 

Several of the citizens of Princeton were drafted, 
under the resolve of June 12, 1778, for raising 180 men 
for an expedition to Rhode Island. On the 23d of June 
two were required, as guards to the captured troops of 
General Burgoyne. Voted ^£72, be granted for boun- 
ties to soldiers and the support of their families. The 
town voted to obtain on loan the money necessary for 
the payment of bounties. 

In 1779 severe distress was experienced, from the de- 
preciation of the currency, the exorbitant price for the 
necessarjes of life, and also the distrust of public credit. 
A convention assembled at Concord, by the invitation of 
Boston, July I4th, composed of delegates from all parts 
of the State, for the purpose of consulting on measures 
to give effect to the recommendations of Congress to the 
United States for the relief of the people. Princeton 
was represented by the committee of correspondence. 



48 CONVENTIONS. 

Prices were regulated by a moderate apprizal of the 
value of articles of produce and merchandize; loans to 
government, provision for the support of the clergy, and 
attention to schools as the means of good education, 
were earnestly recommended. 

The town at a meeting August 6th, expressed cordial 
approbation of the proceedings of said convention. 

Thomas Parker was elected a delegate to attend a 
county convention, to be held at Worcester, on the 11th 
of August, when a scale of prices was fixed, and resolu- 
tions adopted to adhere to and execute the regulations. 

The^same gentleman was deputed to attend the second 
State Convention, at Concord, Oct. 12, where a more 
detailed regulation of prices was made, resolutions pass- 
ed, and an address framed, not essentially different from 
those of the former meeting. 

The town delegated seven men in addition to theconv- 
mittee of correspondence to carry the resolutions of the 
Convention into effect. 

Nine soldiers were raised Oct. 9, to join Gen. Wash- 
ington, at Claverick, on Hudson river ; and were sup- 
ported by the town, at a charge, in the aggregate of 
.£450. 

In November the town voted to petition the General 
Court to refund one of the fines paid by the town for 
a deficiency in raising their quota of men for the conti- 
nental army. 

The exertions of preceding years had almost ex- 
hausted the money market, and means of the country. 
The difficulty of complying at the commencement of 
1780 with the increased requisitions for public defence 
was severely felt, and the burdens of the war rested with 
heavy pressure on the community. Yet strenuous efforts 



PAY OF SOLDIERS. 49 

were made to sustain the army and meet the frequent 
demands of the government. 

In compliance with a resolve of June 22d, twelve 
men were raised forthe Continental Army at Claverick. 
Provisions being needed for the army, Princeton pur- 
chased beef according to resolve of Sept. 25, to the 
amount of c£8460. At another time, to the amount of 
£1600. The town obtained a loan also of =£15,000 to 
raise men for the army. At another time, £22,305, 
I6s, 7d. 

May 29th, the Bill of Rights and Frame of Govern- 
ment were submitted to the people, and accepted by a 
lurge majority, thirty-two in favor, five against. 

The first elections under this constitution, ratified by 
the people, took place in September. The votes of 
Princeton were divided ; Hancock received 27, and Bow- 
doin 17 for Governor ; James Warren, 27 and Artemas 
Ward 17 for Leiut. Governor. 

In 1781, the supplying of soldiers had become so dif- 
ficult, that they were only procured by exorbitant boun- 
ties, and the most zealous exertions. Hence for the en- 
couragement of soldiers, the town, Jan. 17, *' Voted, 
that each soldier that shall enlist in the continental ser- 
vice for three years, or during the war, receive one hun- 
dred hard dollars, in the following manner, viz : twenty 
hard dollars, and twenty more in paper, at the exchange, 
viz : seventy-tive for one to be paid before he marches ; 
thirty dollars to be paid in six months after marching ; 
and thirty more in one year after marching ; to be deliv- 
ered to the soldier in camp if required. And at the end 
of three years, each soldier shall receive twelve three- 
year old cattle, of a middling size, or current money 
equivalent to purchase said cattle. And each soldier 
5* 



50 THE CURRENCY. 

shall receive the aforesaid encouragement only in pro- 
portion to the time he shall be in the service.'' Security 
was given for said cattle. 

In March the sum of :£*2025 old currency was levied 
to defray the expenses of the continental army. And 
in May following the selectmen reported, as having paid 
to the war committee, at sundry times ^19,273 : 135: 6c? : 
If. Subsequently £9000 for beef, and £784 : 10s in 
money* for soldiers. 

The minute recital we have followed seemed necessa- 
ry, as the only means of giving adequate idea of those 
municipal exertions who=e merit has almost passed from 
remembrance, in the triumphant results they aided to ac- 
complish. 

* " The amoant of money raised by the inhabitants for the support of the 
war, was really very great. The depreciation of the paper currency rendered 
the nominal amount of taxation excessive. The true value of granla and ap- 
propriations may be estimated bj- reference to the snbjoined scale. The figures 
indicate the number of dollars, in continental currency, equivalent to one 
hundred, in gold or silver. To April, 1780, tHe value was fixed as staled be- 
low, by tbe act of Massachusetts. From that date, it has been ascenained by 
taking the average depreciation through the month. 

1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. 

January .' -105 325 742 2934 

February 107 350 868 3322 

March 109 375 1000 3736 

April 112 400 1104 4000 

*Iay 113 400 1215 5450 

June 120 400 1342 6650 

July 125 425 1477 C900 

August 150 450 lfJ30 , 7000 * 

September 175 475 1600 7100 

October .275 500 2fJ00 7200 

Norember 300 545 2308 7250 

December. 310 634 2595 7400 

In 1751, one dollar of specie, wag equal lo 187 cents, in new emission bil.'-f, 
from Feb. 27 to 51ay 1 : 225 to May 25 : 300 to June 15 : 400 to Oct. 1. Below 
these dates the depreciation approached total woithlessness. 

The whole expenses of the Revolutionary war to the ^:tate« were, in paper 
DKney :— §3o9^>17.'>27 ] estimated in specie §135. 193. 7*^/7." Lincoln's Ilii. <J 
Worcester, p. 125. 



INSTRUCTIONS. 51 

The supplies and expenditures of the towns, were 
charged to the Coraraonwedth, and allowed by the U. 
States. But they went only to discharge taxes and 
assessments, consequently, they were in reality, uncom- 
pensated gratuities to the public. 

Princeton furnished a large proportion of her male 
population to the army of the Resolution The exact 
numbers in service cannot be ascertained with cer- 
tainty.* 

The last doings of the town in reference to revolution 
matters, were the instructions given to Mr. Asa Whit- 
comb, Esq., Representative to the General Court in 
1TS3, which were as follows : — 

'' As it is the undoubted right of all constituents to 
instruct their Representative from lime to time as they 
shall see occasion ; we your free and independent elec- 
tors take this opportunity to claim and to exercise that 
right, and to transmit to you our sentiments upon two 
points, which we look upon to be of the utmost impor- 
tance at this juncture to the whole Continent : — 

*' 1st. We have observed with concern a late resolu- 
tion of Congress granting to the officers of the army five 
years pay upon the army's being disbanded, which we 
apprehend is unnecessary, impolitic and unjust — a bur- 
den this people are unable to bear, and are unwilling to 
submit to— we recommend to you, therefore, to promote 
a strict inquiry into the power of Congress established 
by the confederation, and that you use your utmost en- 
deavors to secure the liberties of the people from all 
arbitrary and unconstitutional stretches of authority ; 

* A document found in the appendix contains an imperfect account of the 
number of men furnished at the expense of the town. 



52 INSTRUCTIONS. 

and that you join in a remonstrance to Congress touch- 
ing the injustice of such a resolution and warmly solicit 
a repeal of it. That the public monies may be admin- 
istered with as much frugality as possible, and not be 
squandered away with prodigality and profusion. 

"2d. We strictly enjoin it upon you — that you do not 
under any pretence whatever consent to the return ot 
those persons whose names are mentioned, in an act ot 
this State entitled * an act to prevent the return to this 
State of certain persons therein named, and others who 
have left this State, or either of the United States and 
joined the enemies thereof;' but that you use your 
influence to prevent their return, as they are the objects 
of ^^o/^w/ar jealousy and dislike — that the minds of the 
people be no longer agitated with repeated returns of 
the refugees."* 

* Messrs. Moses Gill, Sadey Mason, and Joseph Sargent, were a committee 
wlio reported said instructions— which were also adopted by the town. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Inenrrection— Distress of the People — County Convention— Instructions to 
Col. Sargent— Grievances— Courts suspended — Capt. Gale at the Court 
House — Court of Sessions Interrupted — Preparations of Government — 
Daniel Sliays — Forcesof Insurgents— Insurgents occupy the Court House; 
Consultation of the Insurgents — The Retreat — Gen. Lincoln's Army — 
Termination of the Rebellion— Henry Gale. 

Scarcely were the struggles of the revolution over, 
and the smoke of its burning lost in a clear sky, before 
internal dissensions threatened the overthrow of the 
general government, Difficulties presented themselves, 



INSURRECTION. OJ 

whicli, in their progress, brought the Commonwealtli of 
Massachusetts to the very verge of ruin. 

We would refrain from an allusion to the insurrection 
known in History as the Shays' Rebellion could its ex- 
istence be effaced from memory. But those events 
cannot be forgotten, since they stand with prominence 
upon the annals of the State. Neither is the voice of 
tradition silent upon this subject. " Historical truth, 
however, not unfrequently checks and properly tempers 
the fervor of admiration which we sometimes experi- 
ence, when contemplating the patriotic exertions of our 
ancestors. That there existed circumstances, which 
palliated, though they did not justify, the conduct of 
those who rebelled against the government of their own 
enactment, is clearly evident." ** After eight years of 
war, Massachusetts stood with the splendor of triumph, 
in republican poverty, bankrupt in resources, with no 
revenue but of an expiring currency, and no metal in 
her treasury more precious than the continental copper, 
bearing the devices of union and freedom. The coun- 
try had been drained by taxation for the support of the 
army of independence, to the utmost limit of its means ; 
public credit was extinct, manners had become relaxed, 
trade decayed, manufactures languishing, paper money 
depreciated to worthlessness, claims on the nation accu- 
mulated by the commutation of the pay of officers for 
securities, and a heavy and increasing pressure of debt 
rested on the Commonwealth, corporations and citizens. 
The first reviving efforts of commerce overstocked the 
markets with foreign luxuries and superfluities, sold to 
those who trusted to the future to supply the ability of 
payment. The temporary act of 1782 making property 
a tender in discharge of pecuniary contracts, instead of 



54 COUNTY CONVENTIONS. 

the designed remedial effect, enhanced the evils of gen- 
eral insolvency, by the postponing collections. The 
outstanding demands of the royalists' refugees, who had 
been driven from large estates and extensive business, 
enforced with no lertient forbearance, came in to in- 
crease the embarrassments of the deferred pay-day. At 
length a flood of suits broke out. In 1784, more than 
2000 actions were entered in the county of Worcester, 
then having a population less than 50.000, and in 1785, 
about 1700."* Property of every description was seized 
and sold at great sacrifice, the general difficulties having 
driven away purchasers. 

Amid the great distress of the people, many were ex- 
cited to frenzy by the actual evil of enormous debt, and 
by the supposed grievances of a defective constitution, 
a corrupt administration, and unequal and unjust laws. 
It is not surprising that in such a state of affairs a reme- 
dy should be sought by resort to the most unjustifiable 
measures. Previous to the close of the revolutionary 
war, there were some indications of uneasiness mani- 
fested, on the part of the people, in reference to some 
of the acts of the Legislature, as the operation of laws 
conflicted with their views of expediency and their in- 
terests. In 1782, however, the complaints of grievan- 
ces were of a more general character. As early as 
April of that year, a Convention was held at Worcester, 
composed of delegates from twenty-six towns in the 
County. This Convention attributed the prevailing dis- 
satisfaction of the people to a want of confidence in the 
disbursement of the enormous sums of money annually 
assessed, and recommended instructions to the represen- 
tatives in General Court, to require immediate settle? 

*See Lincoln's History of Worcester, Chap. VIII. 



INSTRUCTIONS. 65 

ment with all public officers entrusted with the funds of 
the Commonwealth, to reduce the compensation of the 
members of the House and the fees of lawyers, to pro- 
cure sessions of the Court of Probate in various places 
in the County of Worcester, — the revival of confessions 
of debt, enlargement of the jurisdiction of Justices of 
Peace to ^20, — contribution to the support of the con- 
tinental army in specific articles instead of money, — and 
the settlement of accounts between Massachusetts and 
Congress. At an adjourned session, May 14, the Con- 
vention recommended, that the account of public ex- 
penditures should annually be rendered to the towns; — 
that the General Court be removed from Boston, a sepa- 
ration of the business of the Court of Common Pleas 
and Sessions, and also an inquiry into the grants of lands 
in the State of Maine in favor of Alexander Shepherd 
and others. Princeton was represented in this assem- 
blage by Lieut. Charles Brooks. 

Although these complaints were unnoticed by the Le- 
gislature, the spirit of discontent was hushed and quieted 
for a season. But the murmurs of the coming storm 
were again heard here in August, 1786. On receipt of 
the invitation of a Convention holden at Leicester, June 
26, requesting the participation of the town, at an ad- 
journed meeting, to be held in the month of August, at 
the same place. 

The inhabitants determined, by a great majority, to 
comply ; and accordingly elected Col. Sargent a dele- 
gate, with the following instructions : — 

" As the safety and happiness of a people depend upon 
the support of Government and good and wholesome 
Laws are to be enacted by the Legislature for that pur- 



56 GRIEVANCES. 

pose, and that no people or body of men can be safe 
without it, — and that justice ought to be administered 
in a way least expensive to the people — it is therefore 
the sense of this town at this day o*f public distress that 
the number, and salaries of public officers ought to be 
reduced, — and that in our opinion Government might 
be supported at a less expense than it is at present, — 
and that the granting moneys from time to time to per- 
sons employed in the public service, other than amply 
to reward them for tl>eir service, is oppressive, and ought 
not to be done under any pretence whatever ; that it is 
the sense of this town that petitions be sent to His Ex- 
cellency the Governor, by the people of this Common- 
wealth, praying him to call the General Assembly to- 
gether as soon as may be, to take under consideration 
the distresses of the good people of this Commonwealth, 
that some measures may be taken for their relief, par- 
ticularly that industry and manufactures may be en- 
couraged, and superfluities as much as possible be avoid- 
ed. And it is the sense of this town that the making a 
paper currency will, instead of granting relief, involve 
us in confusion, and that it be recommended to the good 
people, to cultivate a benevolent temper, and disposition 
towards their fellow mortals at this day of distress, and 
those that are strong, bear the infirmities of the weak." 

In addition to the grievances referred to in the previ- 
ous Conventions, the following were enumerated at this 
in Leicester : — abuses in the practice of the law ; the 
number and salaries of public ofTcers ; grants to the At- 
torney General and to Congress while the State accounts 
remained unpaid, together with some others. 

To this period the people had sought redress by the 



COURTS SUSPENDED. 57 

constitutional appeal to the Legislature. The first open 
act of insurrection followed immediately after the close of 
the Convention last named. The September following, 
Capt. Adam Wheeler, of Hubbardston, heading a band 
of eighty armed men, entered Worcester and took pos- 
session of the Court House, Their numbers were soon 
augmented to more than four hundred ; " half with fire- 
arms, and the remainder furnished with sticks." The 
Colonels in the brigade were ordered on the part of gov- 
ernment to call out their regiments, and march, without 
a moment's delay, to sustain the judicial tribunals; but 
the order was unavailing, for the militia shared in the 
disaffection, and generally favored those movements of 
the peeple directed against civil government, and tending 
to the subversion of social order. Hence the Court 
finding that no reliance could be placed on that right 
arm, on which the government rested for defence — it be- 
ing paralyzed, and of consequence entertaining no hope 
of being permitted to proceed with business, adjourned 
until December following, continuing all causes to 
that term. Announcement was made by the sheriff to 
the people, and a copy of the record communicated. — 
The Court of Sessions also considering their deliber- 
ations controlled by the mob, of insurgents — or Recru- 
lators as they styled themselves, — deemed it expedient to 
imitate the example of the superior tribunal and there- 
fore adjourned to the 21st of November. Before night 
closed down on the day in which the courts were sus- 
pended, the Regulators, elated with their partial success 
returned home to foment greater commotions; and thus 
terminated the first interference of the citizens in arms 
with the course of justice." 

The success of the insurgents had an unfavorable in* 
6 



58 CAPT. GALE AT THE COURT HOUSE. 

fluence on the state of feeling in Princeton. Other por- 
tions of the State also caught the spirit of discontent. 
As the time approached for the sitting of the Sessions, 
whose jurisdiction was principally over criminal offences, 
and its powers exercised for the preservation of social 
order, no opposition had been anticipated, and conse- 
quently no defensive preparations on the part of the 
government had been made. In the meantime, however, 
the disaffected had been active in their preparations to 
interrupt the Sessions on the 21st of November ; and on 
that day Capt. Abraham Gale, of this town, entered the 
north part of Worcester with about sixty armed men.— 
The day following their numbers were augmented to 
more than two hundred, mostly from Shrewsbury and 
Hubbardston. A petition was presented to the Court, 
at the United States Arms' Tavern, by a committee 
chosen for that purpose, for their adjournment until a 
new election of representatives to the General Court. — 
The petition, however, was not entertained. 

The men under Capt. Gale then took posession of the 
ground around the Court House, which they guarded in 
a martial form ; and sentinels were posted along the 
front of the building. '' When the Justices approached, 
the armed men made way, and they passed through the 
opening ranks to the steps. There, triple rows of bayo- 
nets presented to their breasts, opposed further advance. 
The Sheriff, Col. William Greenleaf, of Lancaster, ad- 
dressed the assembled crowd, stating the danger to them- 
selves and the public from their lawless measures. — 
Reasoning and warning were ineffectual, and the proc- 
lamation in the riot act was read for their dispersion. — 
Amid the grave solemnity of the scene, some incidents 
were interposed of lighter character. Col. Greenleaf 



PREPARATIONS OF GOVERNMENT. 59 

remarked, with great severity, on the conduct of the 
armed party around him. One of the leaders replied, 
they sought relief from grievances ; that among the 
most intolerable of them was the Sheriff himself; and 
next to his person were his fees, which were exhorbitant 
and excessive, particularly on criminal executions. 'If 
you consider fees for executions oppressive,' replied the 
Sheriff, irritated by the attack, * you need not wait long 
for redress ; for I will hang you all, Gentlemen, for noth- 
ing, with the greatest pleasure.' Some hand among the 
crowd, which pressed close, placed a pine branch on his 
hat, and the county officer retired, with the Justices, dec- 
orated with the evergreen badge of rebellion. The 
clerk entered on his records, that the Court was pre- 
vented from being held by an armed force, the only no- 
tice contained on their pages that our soil has ever been 
dishonored by resistance of the laws." 

To this period government had resorted only to leni- 
ent measures, hoping that these might have been suffi- 
cient to have induced her revolted subjects to lay down 
the arms assumed under strong excitement, and that re- 
viving order would rise from the confusion. But the 
insurgents, animated with their temporary success, and 
mistaking the mildness of forbearance for weakness, or 
fear, had extended their purposes from present relief to 
permanent change. In their early movements they pro- 
fessed to have but one object in view, — to stop the flood 
of executions which wasted their property and made 
their homes desolate. Consequently, a large portion of 
the community, though they condemned the measures 
resorted to by the actors in the scenes we have describ- 
ed, sympathized in their sufferings, and therefore they 



GO THE INSURGENTS. 

were disposed to consider the offences venial. But on 
this renewal of the 21st of November, of opposition to 
the administration of justice, the sympathizers with the 
insurgents, were materially lessened. Defiance of the 
authority of the Commonwealth could no longer be tol- 
erated, without demolishing her institutions. 

The crisis had fully arrived when government was 
compelled to appeal to the sword for preservation, even 
though its destroying edge, turned on the citizen, might 
be crimsoned with civil slaughter. " Information was 
communicated to the chief magistrate of the extensive 
levies of troops for the suppression of the judiciary, and 
the coercion of the legislature. Great preparations were 
being made to prevent the session of the Court of Com- 
monPleas, in Worcester, in December following." The 
Governor* with the advice and consent of his council, 
in the meantime had determined to adopt vigorous 
measures to restrain the Regulators. Orders were dis- 
patched to Maj. General Warren, to call out the militia 
of division, andfive regiments were directed to hold 
themselves in readiness to march without a moment's 
delay. But in this hour of utmost need, the troops 
shared in the disaffection, and the Sheriff reported that 
it was out of his power to muster a sufficient force. The 
first instructions were therefore revoked. And it was 
resolved to make a desperate effort to raise an army 
whose power might effectually crush all resistance. At 
the same time, the Judges were instructed to adjourn the 
Court until the 23rd of January following, at which 
time it was confidently expected that the contemplated 
arrangements, could be matured to terminate the unhap- 
py agitation, and disturbances. 

* Gov. Bowdoin. 



DANIEL SHAYS. 61 

" The insurgents, unapprised of the change of oper- 
ations, began to concentrate their whole strength to in- 
terrupt the Courts at Worcester and Concord. They 
had fixed on Shrewsbury as the place of rendezvous. — 
On the 29th of November, a party of forty from Barre, 
Spencer, and Leicester, joined Capt. Wheeler, who had 
established his head quarters in that town during the 
preceding week and succeeded in enlisting about thirty 
men. Daniel Shays, the reputed commander-in-chief, 
and nominal head of the rebellion, made his first public 
appearance in the County* soon after, with troops from 
Hampshire. Reinforcements came in, till the number 
at the post exceeded four hundred. Sentinels stopped 
and examined travelers, and patrols were sent out to- 
wards Concord, Cambridge, and Worcester. On 
Thursday, Nov. 30, information was received that the 
Light Horse, under Col. Hitchborn, had captured Shat- 
tuck, Parker and Paige, and that a detachment of cavalry 
was marching against themselves This intelligence 
disconcerted their arrangements for an expedition into 
Middlesex, and they retreated, in great alarm to Hol- 
den." As the Light Horse retired, it was discovered 
that they did not exceed twenty. Learning this fact, 
nearly one hundred of Shay's men rallied, and pursued 
their foe whose velocity of movement was such that it 
left no cause to fear they could be brought in conflict. 

On arriving at Shrewsbury consultation was held as 
to the expediency of marching to Worcester, and take 
possession of the ground around the Court House for 
an encampment. It was however considered, in view 
of their being destitute of clothing, food, and money, 
impracticable to maintain themselves there, and on Sat- 

* Worcester County. 

6* 



62 



INSURGENTS OCCUPY THE COURT HOUSE. 



urday they marched to one of the neighboring towns 
and went into quarters with some that sympathized 
with them in their movements. Shays himself, with his 
men, retired to the barracks in Rutland, leaving orders 
for the different detachments to assemble in Worcester 
on Monday following. 

On Sunday evening, a body of troops entered Wot- 
cester under the command of Captains Abraham Gale 
of this' town, and Wheeler of Hubbardston, and others. 
Halting before the Court House, they placed a strong 
<ruard around the building, and posted sentinels on all 
the streets and avenues of the town. Those who were 
not on duty, having obtained the keyes by some means, 
entered the Court House, and rolling themselves in their 
blankets, rested on their arms on the floor of the Court 
room The day following the military strength of Wor- 
cester rallied under Capt. Joel Howe to the support of 
government. Fortunately, however, the insurgents were 
not prepared to stain their cause by civil war. " As the 
evening closed in, one of the most furious snow storms 
of a severe winter commenced. One division of the in- 
suraents occupied the Court House; another sought 
sheUer at the Hancock Arms. The sentinels, chilled 
by the tempest, and imagining themselves secured by its 
violence from attack, joined their comrades around the 
• fire of the guard room." The increasing fury of the 
«torm and the almost impassable condition of the road 
did not prevent the arrival of many from different towns 
in the vicinity of Worcester, on Tuesday, augmenting 
the numerical force of the discontented subjects of gov 
ernment to about five hundred. The Court of Common 
Pleas was opened according to adjournment at the Sun 
Tavern. But in conformity with the instructions o 



CONSULTATION OP THE INSURGENTS. 63 

Gov. Bowdoin and the Council, it adjourned, without at- 
tempting to transact business, to the 23rd of January, 
1787. 

** On Tuesday evening, a council of war was convened, 
and it was seriously determined to march to Boston, and 
effect the liberation of the State prisoners, as soon as 
sufficient strength could be collected. In anticipation 
of attack, the Governor gathered the means of defence 
around the metropolis. Guards were mounted at the 
prison and at the entrances of the city ; alarm posts were 
assigned, and Major General Brooks held the militia of 
Middlesex contiguous to the road in readiness for action, 
and watched the force at Worcester." 

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Shays and his aid, mounted 
on white horses entered Worcester. About 800 troops 
formed the army of the insurgents. In this force were 
several soldiers from Princeton. The following day, 
Thursday, was spent by committees from several towns 
in the county, with Shays and his officers, in consulting 
as to their future operations. Their deliberations were 
exceedingly perplexing and contradictory. The weather 
had been so inclement, that large parties that were ex- 
pected from Berkshire and Hampshire were prevented 
from arriving. It was finally resolved in view of the im- 
possibility of retaining the soldiers who had assembled 
without subsistence or stores, to abandon the contempla- 
ted attack on Boston, and more pacific measures were 
adopted. A petition was prepared for circulation, re- 
monstrating against the suspension of the habeas cor- 
pus ; requesting the pardon and release of the prison- 
ers — a new act of amnesty ; and the adjournment of 
courts until the session of the new Legislature in May ; 
^nd expressing their willingness to lay down their arms 



64 CONSULTATION OF THE INSURGENTS. 

on compliance with these demands. The following day 
was also spent in consultation. Being apprised that pub- 
lic sentiment was setting against them with strong reac- 
tion, letters were communicated to each town of Worces- 
ter County, soliciting the citizens to unite in their peti- 
tions. 

On Saturday, about 12 o'clock M., the insurgents in 
Worcester were dismissed, and as another snow storm 
had commenced early in the morning, they were com- 
pelled to wade through the drifting snows on their home- 
ward march. ** The condition," says Lincoln, in his 
History of Worcester, " of these deluded men during 
their stay here, was such as to excite compassion rather 
than fear. Destitute of almost every necessary of life, 
in an inclement season, without money to purchase the 
food which their friends could not supply, unwelcome 
guests in the quarters they occupied, pride restrained 
the exposure of their wants. Many must have endured 
the gnavvings of hunger in our streets ; yet standing with 
arms in their hands, enduring privations in the midst of 
plenty, they took nothing by force, and they passed on 
no man's rights by violence ; some declared they had not 
tasted bread for twenty four hours ; all who made known 
their situation, were relieved by our citizens with liberal 
charity. 

The forlorn condition of the insurgents was deepened 
by the distresses of their retreat. Their course was amid 
the wildest revelry of storm and wind, in a night of 
intense cold. Some were frozen to death by the way ; — 
others exhausted with struggling through the deep and 
drifted snow, sank down, and would have perished but 
for the aid of their stouter comrades ; when relief was 
sought among the farm houses, every door was opened 



RETREAT OF THE INSURGENTS. 65 

ai the call of misery, and the wrongs done by the rebel 
were forgotten in the sufferings of him who claimed hos- 
pitality as a stranger." 

Shays conducted the remnant of his forces to Spring- 
field, and on the 2Gth of December interrupted the Court 
of Common Pleas in that town. Intelligence being re- 
ceived of active exertions to prevent the session at Wor- 
cester on the 23d of January, vigorous measures were 
adopted to sustain the judiciary. The Governor called 
upon the militia of Boston and vicinity to march under 
the command of General Benjamin Lincoln, and to force 
the insurgents to surrender. An army of more than 
5000 men was raised for thirty days. 

On the 21st of January, Gen. Lincoln with his force 
took up their line of march from Roxbury, and arrived 
at Worcester the following day. Detachments of in- 
surgents were collected in Princeton and some of the 
neighboring towns, but, intimidated by the military, did 
not attempt to enter Worcester, and the courts proceed- 
ed, without being resisted. On the 25th of January, 
Gen. Lincoln hastened to Springfield for the relief of 
Shepard and of the arsenal at that place, invested by 
Shays and his force, Major General Warner being left at 
Worcester in command, with a regiment of infantry and 
a corps of artillery. 

" Information having been given that a body of about 
two hundred insurgents had assembled at New Brain- 
tree, intercepting travelers and insulting the friends of 
government, twenty horsemen, supported by about 150 
infantry in sleighs, were sent out, on the night of the 2d 
of February, to capture or disperse the disaffected. Up- 
on approaching the place of their destination, the caval- 
ry were ordered to advance at full speed to surprise the 



G6 TEMINATION OF THE REBELLION. 

enemy. The insurgents, apprised of the expedition, had 
abandoned their quarters, at the house of Micah Hamil- 
ton, and taken post behind the walls of the roadside, and 
having fired a volley of musketry upon thedetatchraent, 
fled to the woods ; Mr. Jonathan Rice of Worcester, a 
Deputy Sheriff, was shot through the arm and hand ; 
Doct. David Young was severely wounded in the knee ; 
the bridle rein of Theopilus Wheeler, Esq., was cut by a 
ball. Without halting, the soldiers rapidly pursued their 
way to the deserted head quarters, where they liberated 
Messrs. Samuel Fiagg, and John Stanton, of Worcester, 
who had been seized the day previous while transacting 
private business at Leicester. Having dispersed those 
who occupied the barracks at Rutland the next day, the 
companies returned with four prisoners." 

Shays retired to Petersham, where he expected to con- 
centrate the forces of expiring rebellion and make his 
final stand. But the spirit animating the first movements 
had grown cold, and Shays with his soldiers were doubt- 
less sensible that the cause had become gloomy and hope- 
less. The insurgents dispersed and were never again 
collected in force. How many of the citizens of Prince- 
ton, bore arms with Shays, we are unable to say. At 
one time during the insurrection, Princeton assumed the 
appearance of a garrison town. The citizens answered 
to the frequent challengesof military guards ; the travel- 
er was admonished to stay his steps by the voice and 
bayonet of the soldier. Once a funeral procession was 
opposed on its way to the burial ground. Sentinels were 
posted near the house of Col. Sargent.* 

The rebellion having terminated, the infliction of 
some punishment for the highest political crime was 

* W^here Major Joseph A. Reed now resides. 



HENRY GALE. 67 

deemed advisable. Several of those who had been in 
arms against the government, were brought to trial and 
convicted of treason, and sentenced to death. Among 
that number was Henry Gale* of Princeton, who was 
sentenced to be executed on the 23rd of June, 1787. — 
The day having arrived he was accordingly led out to 
the gallows, erected on the Common at Worcester, with 
all the solemn ceremony of such exhibitions. A re- 
prieve was however read to him while on the gallows, 
and subsequently a full pardon was given. The clem 
ency of government was ultimately extended to all who 
had been involved in the disaffection, upon taking the 
oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth, after some 
temporary civil disqualifications. Peace was again re- 
stored to the Commonwealth.t 

* The Court assigned as Mr. Gale's counsel, Levi Lincoln, sen. and James 
Sullivan. 

t Free use has been made of Lincoln's History of Worcester in the notice 
ofShay's Rebellion. 



CHAPTER V. 

Political Historj-— Adoption of the National Constitution— Funeral Honors to 
Washington— Embargo— Petitions to President Jefferson, and to the Le- 
gislature of Massachusetts— Opposition to the War with England— Reso- 
lutions— First Town House— Benefactions of Mr. Boylston— Adoption of 
Amendments to the State Constitution— Part of No Town annexed— New 
Town House— Proposed Division of the County — Incidents in Local 
History. 

We have arrived to that period, in the progress of our 
narrative, in which the events of the past are very close- 
ly connected with the feelings of the present. Some 
particulars of the history of the last sixty years, insula- 
ted from dissensions which have long been quieted and 



68 POLITICAL HISTORY. 

which It is not desirable now to recall to recollection, 
are scattered through the space remaining to be travers- 
ed. During the political controversies which for many 
years divided public opinion in the United States, a de- 
cided majority of the inhabitants of Princeton were firm 
supporters of the Federalists, when the name marked 
well-defined distinctions of principles. The leading 
men of the town were ardent politicians, and there were 
periods of excitement when diversity of sentiment im- 
paired the harmony of social intercourse, separated 
those closely allied by the ties of kindred, and dissolved 
the bonds of friendship.* A majority of the inhabitants 
were early in favor of a protective tariff*. This is evi- 
dent from the following instructions given to Hon. Moses 
Gill, representative to the General Court in 1787. t 

" That you use your influence, that the Produce and 
Manufactures of this Commonwealth, may be more ef- 
fectually encouraged by laying duties on those of for- 
eign countries, and granting premiums on our own, — 
and that foreign superfluities may be prohibited, and also 
the exportation of wool and flax." 

Timothy Fuller was chosen to represent the town in 
a Convention holden in Boston, in 1787, when the pres- 
ent P^ational Constitution was proposed for adoption. — 
He however voted against it, notwithstanding a majority 
of the town were in favor of its adoption. 

The citizens of Princeton joined in the national hon- 
ors paid to the memory of Washington, Feb. 22, 1800, 
the anniversary of the birth of the father of his country. 
A great concurse of inhabitants assembled in the church, 

* Tradition says that one man ordered his son to leave his house, for refus- 
ing to vote the Whig ticket. 

t The state of political sentiment will be sufficiently indicated by the list of 
rotes for executive officers in successive years, placed in the appendix. 



EMBARGO. G9 

which was hung with black and with emblems of mourn- 
ing. An appropriate eulogy was delivered by the Rev. 
Joseph Russell on the virtues of the departed soldier, 
statesman and patriot. 

In August, 1808, the Selectmen of Boston, transmit- 
ted a petition, adopted by the inhabitants of that place, 
addressed to the President of the United States, praying 
the suspension of the Embargo laws; or, if doubt ex- 
isted of the competency of the Executive for affording 
relief from measures that pressed heavily on commerce, 
requesting that Congress might be convened for the pur- 
pose of taking the subject into consideration. The com- 
munication was accompanied with an invitation to call 
a town meeting to obtain concurrence in the sentiment 
expressed in the petition, from the capital. The muni- 
cipal officers complied with the proposition ; and, at a 
meeting of the citizens on the 5th of September, a com- 
mittee consisting of three persons* was chosen, and in- 
structed to prepare and submit to the town a petition iii 
conformity to the sentiments expressed by the citizens 
of Boston. At an adjournment of the meeting said 
committee presented the following petition, which was 
unanimously adopted : 

''To the President of the United States ;" 
** The inhabitants of the town of Princeton, in the 
county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, in town meeting legally assembled, upon the fifth 
day of September, 1808, beg leave, respectfully to rep- 
resent that they feel themselves deeply interested in 
whatever tends to promote and secure the general pros- 
perity of the United States ; and could they believe that 

* William Dodd, Dea. Parker, Capt. Stratton. 
7 



70 PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT. 

the existing laws recently enacted restraining the com- 
mercial enterprize of our country were inevhably neces- 
sary to affect this desirable object, they would cheerful- 
ly submit to the unparalleled losses and inconveniences 
which result from the enforcement of.. them; but we 
would humbly suggest, that however flattering in expec- 
tation the effects of their restraints may have been, yet 
such has been our distresses, such our embarrassments, 
and so great and unexpected has been the change in 
Europe'^that nothing salutary can be expected from their 
longer continuance— considering the present crisis the 
most favorable opportunity for obtaining a remuneration 
for the losses we have already sustained, and if properly 
improved, for rescuing us from further distress and em- 
barrassment, We do respectfully pray that the Embargo 
in whole or in part may be suspended according to the 
powers vested in the President by the Congress of the 
United States,— and if any doubt should exist of the com- 
petency of those powers, we would humbly request that 
Congress may be convened as early as possible for the 
purpose of taking the subject into their consideration." 
This petition was signed by the Selectmen of the 
town, and forwarded to President Jefferson. In Febru- 
ary, 1809, a committe* was elected by the town to draft 
a petition, on the same subject, to be presented to the 
Legislature of Massachusetts at its forthcoming session. 
They reported the following, which expressed the unan- 
imous sentiments of the town at that time : 

*' To the Senate and the Hon. House of Representatives 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now in session. 
*' We the inhabitants of the town of Princeton, in le- 

* Ebenezer Parker, Joseph Sargent, Samuel Stratton, Artemas Stow, Eph- 
raim Wilson. 



PETITION TO THE LEGISLiTrRE. /I 

gal town meeting assembled beg leave to represent : — 
That being ardently attached to the civil constitution 
under which an indulgent Providence has placed us, and 
feeling alive to the interests and prosperity of cur be- 
loved country, we have viewed with painful anxiety and 
alarm, some of the recent measures of our national Gov- 
ernment. The several acts passed tlie last session of 
Congress laying an unlimited embargo upon all com- 
merce both foreign and domestic, appears to your me- 
morialists fraught with ruin to our country and not jus- 
tified or required by the state of our foreign relations, 
so far as they have been made known to the public. 
We did indulge the hope that at the commencement of 
the present session, Congress would have heard the nu- 
merous petitions respectfully addressed to them, — and 
also finding that it would require a great part of the mil- 
itary force of the country to enforce those oppressive 
laws and therefore would have unanimously repealed 
them. But with extreme regret we have beheld the ma- 
jority in both Houses of Congress, in opposition to the 
most powerful arguments and remonstrances of old Eev- 
olutionary Patriots and experienced Statesmen, and in- 
deed of several who had been inwardly led to favor their 
system at the last session not only persisting in their for- 
mer measures, but enacting laws to enforce them, which 
have a still more alarming aspect, — particularly the law 
passed on the 9th day of January last to enforce the for- 
mer embargo laws, appears to us contrary to the spirit if 
not the letter of the Constitution, inconsistent with the 
principles of a Republican Government, and calculated 
to provoke riot and insurrection to the jeopardy of Na- 
tional existence. Under these impressions we cannot 
look forward without the most painful anxiety. Appre- 



72 WAR WITH ENGLAND. 

bending from the past that our feeble voice would be 
disregarded in the general government, and reposing 
confidence in your wisdom and zeal for the public good, 
and it is with pleasure we hear the resolves of the Sen- 
ate of this state, stating ' that a suitable remonstrance 
(will) be prepared and immediately forwarded to the 
Congress of the United States expressing their opinion, 
&/C.,' Such proceedings will receive the sanction and 
approbation of your memorialists, or any other measure 
your prudence and patriotism may dictate for securing 
to our common country its Constitution, its Liberty, and 
its Prosperity ; and we hereby pledge ourselves to sup' 
port with our lives and property all such constitutional 
and prudent measures for the attainment of these im* 
jwrtant objects, as your wisdom may ajjprove." 

On the Declaration of War with England, in 1812, 
an Act of Congress authorized the President to require 
the Executives of the several States and Territories, to 
take effectual measures to arm, organize, and hold in 
readiness to march at a minute's warning, their respect- 
ive proportions of 100,000 militia. Massachusetts was 
called on to furnish men for the fortresses on the mari- 
time frontier. The Governor, however, declined com- 
plying with the requisitions, on the ground of constitu- 
tional objections ; and the troops of the State were not 
called to the field of battle. The town assembled on 
the IGth of August and referred the subject to a com- 
mittee,* who presented an elaborate report at the ad- 
journment. After commenting on the violation of rights 
and the numerous insults and injuries this country had 
sustained, for a series of years, from the United King- 

* The Committee were Rev. James Murdoch, Capt. Artemus How, Capt. 
Samuel Stratton, Dr. Wilson, Mr. BullocL. 



HESOLUTIONS ON THE WAK. 7S 

doms of Great Britain, and Ireland, and its dependen- 
cies, they state their objections to the War, and the sup- 
posed iiisulliciency of the reasons alleged. 

At the same time the town unanimously adopted the 
following Preamble and Resolutions, which contain the 
sentiments expressed in the Report of the Committee : — 

*' The inhabitants of the town of Princeton legally 
assembled in town meeting, deeply and sensibly feeling 
the effects of the existing and pending calamities of the 
present crisis, of our National and Foreign relations have 
with every other class of citizens of a free Republic, on 
this as well as on all important occasions, a right to as- 
semble and express, without fear or restraint, our opinions 
of the measures of the General as well as State Govern- 
ment, — and the present momentous and alarming situa- 
tion of our Country, demands a firm, energetic and une- 
quivocal expression of our feelings : 

" Resolved, That we view with the most painful ap- 
prehensions, the late Act of Congress, declaring war 
against the United Kingdoms of Great Britain, Ireland 
and their dependencies ; and the threatening prospect 
of an alliance with that belligerent whose agressions have 
been so enormous, and whose depredations were first and 
far more extensively committed on our neutral rights. 

'* Resolved, That we feel deeply sensible of our ob- 
ligations to maintain and support with patriotic fidelity, 
the laws enacted by a Government elected by the peo- 
ple, but from any disclosures which our government 
have made, the present crisis does not in our opinion, 
sanction an expedient of such distressing tendency. 

" Resolved, That we have viewed with deep regret 
and concern, the ruinuous situation of our commerce, so 



/4 RESOLUTIONS OX THE WAR. 

inseparably connected with our agricultural and mechan- 
ical interests j and as the anticipation of some speedy- 
alleviation has been the ground of our acquiescence for 
years, in the many restrictions to which this vital interest 
of the Nation has been subject, we feel compelled, while 
we view the fatal blow now struck, to express our entire 
disapprobation and abhorrence of the measure. 

" Resolved, That we sympathise with that portion of 
our fellow citizens who are suffering under the acts of 
our own government, prohibiting them from collecting 
and rescuing their property from foreign ports, where it 
is now liable to confiscation, and abhor that fatal policy, 
which led the government, notwithstanding repeated and 
humble supplications from the suffering citizens, perti- 
naciously to continue their restrictions, regardless of the 
destructive tendency of such measures not only to the 
unhappy individuals, but to the commercial interests of 
the Country and the subversion of the future confidence 
of commercial men in the government. 

*' Resolved, That the measures which have been 
adopted by our administration, are repugnant to our 
feelings, injurious to our interests, and hopeless in re- 
sult to our country, and that we will use all honorable 
means afforded by our elective franchise to produce a 
change of rulers, as the only means to produce a radical 
change of measures. 

*' Resolved, That we admire and reverence that wise 
and excellent Constitution of our country, purchased and 
established with so much suffering and blood, — and with 
every thing dear to us, as men and citizens we will de- 
fend our Constitution and country against every hostile 
attempt to invade the principles of the one, or the rights 
and territories of the other. 



BENEFACTIONS OF MR. BOYLSTON. 75 

** Resolved, That we highly approve of the wise, dig- 
nified and patriotic conduct of the Governor and House 
of Representatives of this Commonweulth, reiative to the 
present alarming crisis of our National aftairs, and tliat 
we will use our exertions to give effect to their recom- 
mendations, and to obtain for such statesmen and patriots 
the universal confidence and support of our countrymen." 

These Resolves were directed to be signed by ihe 
Moderator and attested by the Town Clerk, entered on 
record, and a copy furnished for publication, in some of 
the public journals. 

Previous to 1816 there was no Town House in Prince- 
ton. On the 13th day of August of that year, it was vo- 
ted to call the Central School House, Town House. — 
During the long period intervening between 1759, when 
Princeton was incorporated as a District, and 1816, the 
citizens met to transact their municipal business, first in 
a dwelling house, then in a schoolhouse, and subsequent- 
ly in the meeting house. 

In 1818, Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., devised to 
the town of Princeton, two lots of land as a parsonage 
estate, on the condition that " the same doctrines and 
principles of faith and practice be preached as are now 
preached and taught by their present Pastor."* In case 
they were destitute of a settled ministry for six months, 
the rents or produce of said estate was to go to the wid- 
ow and children of the deceased Pastor, if there were 
any ; if the pulpit was vacated a year the same to be 
paid to the Selectmen of the town of West Boylston. 
In addition to this, $500 were given to them to lie as an 
accumulating fund, under certain conditions, until it 

* Rev. Saitiuel Clark, Uiirtariaii in sentiment. 



76 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. 

should be sufficient to build " a handsome and suitable 
Hall, of one story high for the use of the inhabitants to 
transact the municipal concerns of the town in their cor- 
porate capacity, or for the accommodatiau of the Con- 
gregational Church, when the severity of the season may 
make it more convenient for them." By his last will he 
also left them at his death, 8500, the ij^terest of which, 
after a certain amount is accumulated, is to be applied 
to the support of Congregational preaching. Also §500 
after a certain time, is to be applied to the support of 
poor widows and orphans. All of the above benefactions 
were accepted by the town.* 

Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., was elected Oct. C^ 
1S20, Delegate to the Convention which was convened 
at Boston in November, of that year, for the amendment 
of the State Constitution. Of the articles adopted by 
this body, Nov. 15, and submitted to the people, nine 
were approved and adopted April 9, 1821. The inhabi- 
tants of Princeton concurred in the adoption of the Con- 
stitution as amended. 

The Amendment numbered as the 10th in the Re- 
vised Statutes, changing the commencement of the po- 
litical year from the last Wednesday of May, to the first 
Wednesday of January, adopted by the Legislature of 
1829-30 and 1830-31, was accepted by the people. May 
11, 1831. The vote of Princeton stood 54 for, 23 against. 

The Amendment numbered eleven in the volume re- 
ferred to, modifying and altering the third article of the 
Bill of Rights, having passed the Legislatures of 1832 
and 1833, was accepted by the citizens Nov. 11, 1833 
Eighty-five votes were given by the inhabitants of Prince- 
ton in the affirmative, only one in the negative. 

* These benefactions are now supposed, however, to have been forfeited by 
ithe town. 



ANNEXATION OF A PART OF NO TOWN. 77 

Between Princeton, Westminster, tlie south west cor- 
ner of Leominster, and the northwest corner of Sterling, 
a tract of land intervened, called No Town, beyond 
the jurisdiction of either municipality. The owners and 
inhabitants of this territory, or a part of it, petitioned to 
be annexed to Princeton. The petitioners and their 
estates were united to this town in 1838, by the following 
Act of the General Court : — 

"An act to annex a part of No Town to the town of 
Princeton. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives in General Court assembled^ and by the au- 
thority of the same as follows : 

" Sec. 1. All that part of the unincorporated lands of 
No Town, in the County of Worcester, which is inclu- 
ded within the following bounds, viz : beginning at a 
stake and stones, on the line between No Town and 
Leominster, it being the northeast corner of a lot of land 
in No Town, belonging to John Whitney, running on 
said line south thirty-three degrees west, two hundred 
and ninety-seven rods, to a stone monument, it being the 
southeast corner of No Town, the southwest corner of 
Leominster, the northwest corner of Sterling, and the 
northeast corner of Princeton ; thence north, fifty-two 
degrees and thirty minutes west, on the line between 
No Town and Princeton, eight hundred and thirty rods* 
to a stone monument in the line of the town of West- 
minster, it being the southwest corner of No Town, and 
the northwest corner of Princeton ; thence north, fifty- 
two degrees and thirty minutes east, on the line between 
No Town and Westminster, two hundred and twenty- 
four rods, to a large rock, in an angle in the last men- 



78 NEW TOWN HOUSE. 

tioned line ; thence south sixty-eight degrees and twelve 
minutes east forty-four rods, to a stake and stones, by 
land of Mr. Osgood ; thence north, fifty-four degrees and 
fifteen minutes east, on the line of said Osgoods' land, 
eighty-eight rods to a stake and stones, at the northwest 
corner of Mr. Hadley's land ; thence south, seventy de- 
grees and twenty-five minutes east, on the north line of 
said Hadley's land, one hundred and twenty-six rods, to 
a stake and stones on land of Charles Grout ; thence 
south seventeen degrees and twenty minutes east, on the 
line between said Hadley's and Grout's land, seventy 
rods and a half, to a stake and stones on an angle in 
said line ; thence south fifty degrees and thirty minutes 
east, through land of said Hadley and others five hundred 
rods, to the place of beginning, — is hereby annexed to 
and made a part of the town of Princeton, in said County, 

" Sec. 2. This act shall take effect from and after its 
passage- 

" Approved by the Governor, April 4, 1838." 

The town voted at their annual meeting in March, 
1842, to erect a new Town House during the en- 
suing summer and autumn ; and that the donation of 
of the late Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., be appropria- 
ted for the Building of said house ; and that it be one 
story high, 64 feet long, and 40 feet wide. 

After the completion of said house it was unanimous- 
ly voted to call it Boylston Hall, to perpetuate the name 
and memory of the late Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., 
in consideration of the liberal donation he made to the 
town. A prayer was olfcred, and an appropriate address 
delivered at the dedication, Feb. 13, 1843, by Rev. Wil- 
lard M. Harding. The most ancient records of the 



DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. 79 

town were then exhibited by the Town Clerk, after which 
the inliabitants proceeded to the transaction of their mu- 
nicipal business. 

At three several times since the incorporation of 
Princeton, the division of Worcester County has been 
submitted for the action of the towns proposed to be set 
off for a new County. 

A memorial of the delegates of Templeton, Barre, Pe- 
tersham, Athol, Winchendon, llubbardston, Acams, 
Gerry, Gardner, Royalston, and Warwick, at the Janu- 
ary session of the Legislature in 1708, prayed for the 
incorporation of those towns into a new county. The 
people in Princeton voted in February unanimously, that 
it was inexpedient to divide Worcester into two distinct 
counties. 

At the annual meetings in April, 1828, the question 
was submitted, by the Legislature, to the people of Wor- 
cester and Middlesex, of a new County to be formed of 
the towns of Royalston, Winchendon, Alhol, Temple- 
ton, Gardner, Westminster, Ashburnham, Fitchburg, 
Leominster, Lunenburg, Princeton, Hubbardston, Phil- 
lipston, Lancaster, Bolton, and Harvard, from the Coun- 
ty of Worcester, and Groton, Shirley, Pepperell, Ashby, 
and Townsend, from the County of Middlesex, as prayed 
for in a Petition bearing the name of Ivers Jewett at the 
head. The decision in Princeton was in the negative 
by a great majority of the voters. 

In 1S51, a petition of Alva Crocker and others was 
presented to the General Court, praying for the erection 
of a new County. Templeton, Gardner, Phillipston, 
Athol, Petersham, Royalston, Plubbardston, Westmin- 
ster, Princeton, Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Leominster, 
Sterling, Lunenburg, Bolton, Harvard, Lancaster, Win- 



80 INCIDENTS IN LOCAL HISTORY. 

chendon, were to be separated from the County of 
Worcester, and Ashby, Townsend, Pepperell, Groton, 
and Shirley, from Middlesex. Orders of notice were 
issued, but the proposition shared the fate of similar pro- 
jects to diminish the integrity of our territory. Sixty- 
nine votes were given by the inhabitants of Princeton in 
the negative , and eleven in the affirmative, when the 
question was submitted to the town. 

The faithful review of the incidents of local history 
from the adoption of the Federal Constitution, embracing 
the struggles of the two great parties dividing the com- 
munity, executed without partiality and in the spirit of 
independence, would doubtless be both useful and inter- 
esting. But the period has not yet arrived when the de- 
tails of the contest, agitating every village, town and 
city of the country, and kindling strife, in the relations 
of social life, can be recorded with freedom and frank- 
ness. The embers of political controversy, long since 
covered over, have not been so extinguished, that the 
historian may tread with safety over the spot where they 
once glowed. The sons may not hope to render unbi- 
ased judgment of the measures of the fathers, in these 
scenes of intense excitement. When the present gene- 
ration shall have passed away, and the heated passions 
and irritation of the actors shall exist only in memory, 
the history may be narrated with fidelity, without fear 
that inherited partiality or prejudice may lend undue col- 
oring to the picture delineated. 

Now the feuds and animosities of the past have sub- 
sided it excites surprise, that the surface which at the 
present is so tranquil, should have been agitated by 
commotions so angry as were those which once disturbecj 
its tranquil repose, 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Iiitrotluctory Remarks— First Preaching in Town-^Attempts to erect a Meet- 
ing House — Committee to measure the District — Building of Meeting House 
— Assignment of Places in Church — Church Music — Cliurch Covenant — 
Uusuccessful attempt to settle a Minister — Gall to Mr Fuller— His Ordina- 
tion — Covenant of Admission — First Deacons and Present to the Church — 
Complaints against Mr. Fuller — His Reply — Ecclesiastical Council — Mr. 
Fuller's Disuiiasion— Suit against Town — Biographical Notice of Mr. 
Fuller. 

The Ecclesiastical History of Princeton is of peculiar 
interest, and remarkable for striking incidents. Could 
the existence of religious difficulties, which have occa- 
sioned fixed differences of sentiment, diversity of taste 
and discordant and conflicting opinions, interposing in- 
superable obstacles to union, be effaced from memory, 
it would be wanton outra2;e to recall from oblivion the 
tale of misfortune and dishonor. But those events can- 
not be forgotten ; they have floated down in tradition : 
they are recounted by the domestic fireside ; they are 
inscribed on roll and record of the archives of the Church 
and Town. There is no discretion entrusted to the his- 
torian to select among the events of the past. It is his 
task to relate with fidelity the events of the times he re- 
views. By changing even slight features, the resem- 
blance of the picture would be destroyed. The annals 
would be worthless, which impaired confidence by the 
suppression of truth, even though unpleasant and un- 
welcome. History, the mirror of the past, reflects with 
8 



82 FIRST PREACHING. 

painful fidelity, the dark as well as the bright objects from 
departed years, and although we may wish to conten> 
plate only the glowing picture of prosperity, the gloomy 
image of ecclesiastical commotion is still full in our 
sight, shadowing the background with its solemn admo- 
nition. 

No records ot the Church in Princeton previous to 
1701, some more than twenty years subsequent to the 
first settlement, have descended to our times. Subse- 
quent to that period, some information of the prominent 
events in Ecclesiastical History, may be collected from 
the votes of the inhabitants concurrent with the acts of 
the Church ; for it was the ancient usage of all our towns, 
before they had been divided into parishes, to manage 
their parochial concerns in the general meetings. 

Meetings for worship were held at the dwelling houses 
most convenient in regard to central situation. " The 
first sermon ever preached in town was probably at the 
house of Abijah Moore, to an audience, which materi- 
ally increased at a later day, a small room and bed-room 
held quite comfortably. An old lady still living* at the 
age of eighty-four, recollects hearing a sermon at Mr. 
Moore's preached by the Rev. Mr. Harrington of Lan- 
caster, in October, 1759, on the occasion of the district's 
incorporation. ' There were then,' says the old lady, 
* but a handful of us, who found our way to church by 
marked trees. 't At this date it was the custom of the 
inhabitants to have preaching usually eight Sabbaths in 
the year. A short time subsequent, they had preaching 
four or five months, in the pleasant seasons of each year. 

The first expression of opinion on the records of tho 

* In 1838. 
t Russell's History of I'rinceton, p. 52. 



MEETING HOUSE ATTEMPTS. 83 

town, in relation to ecclesiastical matters, dates the 9th 
of Feb. 17G1, when the following article is found in the 
warrant for a District meeting :* " To see if the dis- 
trict will vote to build a meeting house for the public 
worship of God, and choose a committee for the same or 
act anything relative thereunto, as the district shall think 
proper. "f This article, as appears from the records, 
" was not voted," although it would seem from the war- 
rant for the district meeting in March of the same year 
that the question of erecting a house for public worship 
had not only been agitated, previous to this period, but 
that the place of its location had been determined. The 
following articles, somewhat peculiar in their orthogra- 
phy and phraseology, are found in said warrant. 

'^ To see if the Destrict will vote to build the meeting- 
house, to wit the house for the publick worship of God 
in some other place than that which it is already Voted 
to be built on and vote aneything Relating thereunto 
that the Destrict shall think proper, or otherwise to vote 

were the said meeting house shall be built." " To 

see if the Destrict will vote to build a meeting-house as 
soon as can be convenantly and choose a committee for 
the same and Report unto the Destrict upon what terms 
they can git it built and when, or act anything as the 
Destrict shall think proper." 

It was voted to pass over the last article, and the follow- 
ing vote was passed relative to the first. " Voted, Col. 
John Whilcomb of Bolton, Dea. Samuel Pierce, of Hol- 

* The town records for two years subsequent to the incorporation of the dis- 
trict in 1759, are lost, 

t " In 17G0, at the meeting in March, as I learn from other sources, than the 
records, it was voted to petition the General Court to grant a land tax, to ena- 
ble the district to build a house of worship, settle a minister, and layout roads; 
and Ur. Harvey was chosen an agent to present this petition."— See Russell's 
History of Princeton, chap. 4. 



84 COMMITTEE OF MEASUREMENT. 

den, and Dea. Joseph Miller of Westminster, be a com- 
mittee to measure the said District of Princetown, and 
find the centre thereof, and afix or order the place for 
building the meeting-house on, to wit, the house for the 
public worship of God, and if the centre be not suitable 
ground to build the said house on, then on the nearest 
place to the centre that is suitable according to the best 
judgment of the Committee, and they are desired to 
make return thereof at the adjournment of this meeting, 
and it is also voted that Mr. Thos. Harmon of Rutland, 
and Dea. Jonathan Livermore of Westborough, be sur- 
veyors for the purpose above said and that all the said 
committee and surveyors be under oath for the trust 
committed to them as above said. Also voted that the 
vote for building the said meeting-house within two rods 
of the most southerly corner of Mr. Caleb Myrick's Land 
be and hereby is revoked and discontinued." 

The above named committee attended to the " trust 
committed to them" with fidelity, and reported at the ad- 
journment of the meeting, June 29, but their report is 
not on record, A majority of the town being dissatis- 
fied therewith, it was voted, after paying them a consid- 
erable sum for services, " not to accept their report, and 
locate the house themselves." Consequently, at a meet- 
ing on the 22d of July, the following vote was passed : 
" Voted, that the meeting-house for the public worship 
of God be built on the highest part of the land given by 
Mr. John and Caleb Mirick, to the District lor their 
public use, near three pine trees marked on the norther- 
ly side, being near a large flat rock." The site thus de- 
termined upon, and on which the house was ultimately 
erected, is some few rods northeast from the old town 
house. 



FIRST MEETING HOUSE, 85 

The question relative to the place of location, which 
had agitated the inhabitants several months, being thus 
finally settled, the first measures for the erection cf the 
house were taken ifi October, when it was *' Voted to 
build a meeting-house for the public worship of God, and 
that said house shall be fifty foots long and forty foots 
wide. And also voted that Capt. EJiphelet How, Robert 
Keyes, Caleb Mirick, James Thoinpson and Boaz Moore 
be a Committee to see on what terms they can get the 
timber for said meeting-house, and get said house 
framed." The committee were subsequently directed 
to purchase boards, clapboards, and shingles, to be de- 
livered at the site of said house. The frame of the house 
was set up on the 30th of June, 1762. The cost of the 
frame was =£71, 135, 4c?, which was paid to Abijah Moore, 
who appears to have procured said frame; and in addi- 
tion to the above, £28 was also drawn from the treasu- 
ry, as the expense of raising *. The glass windows were 
Eot supplied until after a lapse of more than three years, 
when the glass was donated to the town by the Hon. Mo- 
ses Gill. When the first preaching was had in this 
church we have not been able to ascertain, it was not 
entirely completed until as late as the year 1770. For 
years the people met in the house for worship, without 
any floor, excepting some loose boards. Their seats 
were blocks, boards, and movable benches. June 4, 
1767, it was voted " to lay the gallery floors and build a 
breast work and setup the pillars in their proper places 
and also build four seats round the galleries." It was 
also allowed individuals who felt disposed to occupy ei- 
ther side of the house with pews, if they would make 

* Another draft also made on the treasury, by P. Goodnow, to tlie amount of 
j£7, 2o-, 2f/, was fur rum purchased by him for workmen on said naeetins-house- 

8* 



86 FIRST MEETING HOUSE. 

them at their own expense. Tlie manner of disposing of 
the pew ground, as it was called, was as follows : The 
individual who paid the highest land tax was to have the 
first choice, by paying a certain sum fixed by the district. 
Dr, Harvey obtained the first and Oliver Davis the second, 
the former paying £S, Is, 4f/, the second ci'3. 

In March, 1770, it was voted " to paint the meeting- 
house, provzWec? J/r. Moses Gill Jiiich p^i'mt.''* Whether 
Mr. Gill's generosity again developed itself, so as to in- 
fluence him to comply with this vote of the town we are 
not able to say. In October of the same year another 
advance was made towards the completion of the house 
by voting to plaster the walls. In November succeed- 
ing it was also voted that " y® plaistering under y® Galle- 
ries be made crowning and y^ plaistering whitewashed 
and y® Seats in y^ side Galleries be finished." The en- 
tire cost of this house which was so long in the process 
of building we are not able to state. 

The assignment of places in church was formerly a 
matter of grave importance, and not unfrequently claimed 
the attention of the town. In 1768, acommittee of four 
was chosen and instructed to seat the meeting-house, 
taking as a general rule the invoice taken in the year 
1766, saving liberty to have due regard to age as they 
shall see cause. For many years those who joined in 
singing the devotional poetry of religious exercises, were 
dispersed through the congregation, having no place as- 
signed them as a distinct body, and no privileges sepa- 
rate from other worshippers. After the clergyman had 
read the whole psalm, one of the deacons repeated the 
first line, which was sung by those who were able to aid 
in the pious melody, and thus the exercises of singingi 
and reading went on alternately. 



CHURCH COVENANT. 87 

The people continued to employ preaching several 
months each year.* Still it appears that there was no 
organized church until the l'2th of August, 17G4, tvven. 
ty-five years after the first settlement, when the following 
covenant was adopted and subscribed by eighteen male 
persons, who constituted the church at that time. 

''A Covenant entered into Aug. 12th, 17<>4. 

"We whose names are hereunto subscribed, apprehending 
ourselves called of God into a church state of the Gospel — Do 
tirst of all confess ourselves to be so highly favored of the Lord 
and admire bis free and rich grace which calls us hereunto ; 
and then with humble reliance and dependence on the assis- 
tance of his grace and Holy Spirit therein promised for them, 
that in a sense of their own inability to do any good thing, do 
humbly wait upon him for all, we do thankfully lay hold on his 
covenant, and solemnly enter into covenant with God and with 
one another according to Godliness. We declare our serious 
belief of the Christian Religion as contained in the sacred 
Scriptures, acknowledging them to contain the whole revealed 
will of God concerning our faith and practice, heartily resolving 
to conform our lives to the rules of that Religion so long as we 
live. We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, the Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost, the only true and living God, and avouch 
him this day to be our God and portion forever. We give up 
ourselves to the blessed Jesus, who is ttie Lord Jehovah and ad- 
here to him as the head of his people in the covenant of Grace, 
and rely upon him as our Prophet, Priest and King, to bring us 
to eternal blessedness. We acknowledge our everlasting and 
indispensable obligation to glorify God in all the duties of a 
sober and goodly life, and particularly in the duties of a church 
state and a body of people associated for an obedience to him in 
all the ordinances of the Gospel, and whereupon depend upon 
his gracious assistance for our faithful discharge of the Duties 
thus incumbent upon us. We engage with dependence on his 
promised grace and spirit to walk together as a church of the 
Lord Jesus Christ in the faith and order of the gospel, so far as 
we shall have the same revealed unto us, conscientiously attend- 
ing the worship of God in his house in praying to him, singing 
to him, and giving reverend attention to his word, read and 
preached according to his institution, the sacraments of the New 

* Tlie preaching was paid out of Uio laud Ui. 



88 CHURCH COVENANT. 



Testament, the discipline of his kingdon:i, and all his holy insti- 
tutions in communion one with another and watchfully avoiding 
all sinful stumbliag- blocks and contentions, as become God's 
people in covenant with him. At the same time we do present 
our offspring with ourselves unto the Lord, purposing with hi3 
help to do and keep in the metliods of a religious education that 
they may be the Lord's. All this we do fleeing to the blood of 
the everlasting covenant for the pardon of our many Errors, and 
praying that the glorious Lord Jesus who is the great Shepherd 
would prepare and strengthen us for every good work to do his 
will, woikmg in us that which is well pleasing in his sight to 
wliom be glory forever, Amen."* 

Signed by the following persons : — 

T'dhf LUtlejokns, James J^orcross, 

El'isha Wilder, Timothy Moseman, 

Ebenezer Jones, Peter Goodnoiv, 

Abel Praif, James Gihbs, 

Samuel Jflasfings, Abijah Moore, 

Samuel Bixby, Caleb Mirick, 

Abner Howe, Timothy Keyes, 

Samuel Moseman, JVoah J^orcross, 

James Haynes, Stephen Brigham.\ 

From the date of this covenant, no record is preserved 
on the church book, of any transactions until May 17, 
1767. We learn, however from the records of the town, 
that they continued to be favored with the preaching of 
the Gospel, at Jeast a portion of each year. About this 
time, (17G4,) Rev. William Crawford supplied the pul- 
pit. It was voted on the 4th of March, 1765, to have 
" six months preaching beginning in April " 

The first movement of the inhabitants of Princeton to- 
wards the settlement of a mmister was in 1765. In the 
warrant for a district meeting in December of that year, 
the following article was inserted : — " To see if the Dis- 
trict will vote how soon they will settle a minister, and 

* This covenant was not entered on tlie church records until several yej.r3 
after its adoption, 
t Churcli records, vol. 1, p. 1. 



FIRST CALL OF A MINISTER. 89 

also whether they will hear any one or more of the can- 
didates for the ministry which they have already heard 
in order for settling, or any other or others which they 
have not heard, or act anything relating to that affair." 
On this article it was " voted to hear Mr. Baker, Mr. 
Fuller, and Mr. Moore, each of them six sabbaths on 
probation, in order for settling." Whether these Rev. 
gentlemen complied with the above vote of the di:-trict 
it does not appear. Neither of them, however, received 
a call to settle in the district at that time. The first in- 
vitation extended to any individual to become their min- 
ister, was the call to the Rev. Sewall Goodrich, in 176G. 
On the 21st of August of this year, the district voted to 
concur with the church in their selection of Mr. Good- 
rich to settle with them in the Gospel ministry. At the 
same time there was also voted him as a settlement, o£'133, 
6s, 8(1, one half payable in eight months from the time of 
his ordination, and the remainder in one year from the 
time of the first-mentioned payment. As an annual sal- 
ary there was also voted him .^'53, 6s, Sd. Mr. Goodrich 
declined the invitation ; and on the 5th of September it 
was voted to make an addition to the salary of <£'13, G5,8r/, 
to be paid as follows : *' One half at the expiration of five 
years from his ordination, thenceforth to be paid as part 
of his salary ,• the remainder to be paid in ten years from 
his ordination as pastor with the like conditio!. .' Mr. 
Goodrich still declined the invitation to settle. 

Nothing further was done towards the settlement of a 
pastor untii the 30th of March, 1767, when the district 
voted, 22 to 4, to concur with the church in their choice 
of the Rev. Timothy Fuller to settle with them in the work 
of the gospel ministry. The same pecuniary encourage- 
ment was voted Mr. Fuller, as a settlement, which had 



90 MR. fuller's ordination. 

been previously offered Mr. Goodrich. They also voted 
him an annual salary of .£53, 6s, 8d. ; and an addition 
of £G, 135 id, to be paid to his wife at the expiration of 
five years from his ordination, thenceforth to be contin- 
ued yearly; and the same amount additional in ten 
years, thenceforth to be paid yearly so long as Mr. Fuller 
shall continue to be their minister and fulfil the work of 
the ministry. A committee was appointed to wait on 
the Rev. Mr. Fuller, witii the above invitation, to which 
he returned an affiirmative answer. 

On the 9th of September, 1767, Mr. Fuller was or- 
dained as pastor of the religious society. There were 
present on this occasion to assist in the solemnities of the 
ordination, pastors and delegates from the First Church 
in Danvers, the second Church in Shrewsbury the second 
in Lancaster, and the Churches in Wilmington, Rutland, 
Holden, Weston, Westminster and Middleton. 

As a substitute for the old covenant, the following was 
adopted by the church, on the 9th of November, to be 
used in the admission of members : 

" A Covenant for admission into the Church. 

" You declare your firm belief of one Infinite and Eternal 
God, F.'ilher Son and Holy Ghost, that the Sacred Scriptures 
are of Divine origin, and comprehend our whole duty as it re- 
lates to faith and practice ; — You resolve to conform your lives 
to the rules of God's word till death, — giving up yourselves to 
God the Father as your portion, to God the Son as your Re- 
deemer, and to God the Holy Ghost as your sanctifier guide and 
comforter : — You acknowledge your indispensable obligation to 
serve and glorify God in a holy, sober and godly life, and prom- 
ise to live in obedience to him walking in all his ordinances 
blameless : — You promise also by the help of God to walk with 
the Church in the faith and older of the gospel, attending the 
public worship of God, the Sacrament of the New Testament, 
the duties of his kingdom and all his holy institutions, so long 
as you continue in the place : — you promise to devote your off- 
spring to God, and to instruct them in the principles and prac- 



COMPLAINTS AGAINST MR. FULLER. 91 

tice of religion ; carefully avoiding every cause of contention 
and every source of sin, as becomes God's people in covenant 
with him ; and this you do flying to the blood ot the everlasting 
covenant for the pardon of your sins, praying that the Lord Je- 
sus who is the great Shepherd would prepare and strengthen 
you for every good work to do his will, working in you that 
which is well pleasing in his sight, to whom be glory forever and 
ever. Amen." 

After the adoption of the above covenant and at the 
same meeting, the first Deacons of the church were elect- 
ed. These were Timothy Keyes and Adonijah Howe. 
It was also voted " that the sacrament be administered 
once in two months ; but may be omitted at particular 
times as the pastor may judge expedient." On the 10th 
of April the year following, the Hon. Moses Gill pre- 
sented to the Church a flagon, tankard, cup and dish for 
the communion table, and also a baptismal basin. 

Mr Fuller continued to exercise his ministerial func- 
tions to the general satisfaction of his parishioners for 
nearly eight years, when, during the opening struggles 
of the revolutionary war and amid the violence of party 
contention, he was suspected of entertaining unfavorable 
views in regard to the rights and liberties of the Colo- 
nies. In view of the alarming state of aflfairs, the Gene- 
ral Court, at its session in 1774, were desirous to have 
Gov. Gage appoint a fast. He refused to comply with 
their wishes, whereupon they recommended a day for 
public fast and prayer, in imitation of their pious ances- 
tors, " who on all occasions of common danger and dis- 
tress devoutly looked to God for direction and favor." 
The people of Princeton desired Mr. Fuller, in accord- 
ance with the recommendation of the General Court, to 
hold a fast, but he declined. Many took offence at this 
course ; and from this period the disaffection commenced 



92 COMPLAINTS AGAINST MR. FULLER. 

which seemed to produce in the minds of the people an 
indomitable determination to dissolve their existing con- 
nection. This however was not the only complaint 
brought by the people against their pastor. Many things 
that had passed unnoticed for years, were construed into 
grievances. The following letter, from a committee of 
the church, contains a summary of these allegations : — 

*' To the Rev, Timothy Fuller. 

'* Sir, We are dissatisfied with your conduct in the 
pastoral office in the following particulars. 1. Your not 
catechising and instructing the children more frequently. 
2. Your neglect of pastoral visits and of conversation on 
spiritual things. 3, An unchristian backwardness to 
instruct and enlighten your flock, which we fear proceeds 
from a disregard to their spiritual welfare. 4. Your 
iiegXecimgXecinxe&iDhen first settled among us. 5. Your 
refusing to appoint a Fast when motioned by the Gene* 
ral Court on account of the fearful apprehension of losing 
liberties of country, through the arbitrary proceedings of 
the British Parliament. 6. Your treatment of the 
Church, when seeking for satisfaction in the articles of 
charge. 

Timothy Keyes^ 
Stephen Srigham^ 
Stephen Harrington^ 
Ichabod Fisher, 
Thos. Gleason. 
Princeton, March 26, 1776." 

Mr. Fuller returned an answer to this bill of charges 
by letter, " which stands on record," say the church re- 
cords, " in the Old Church Book." This book, unfor- 
tunately, has been lost ; consequently the reply is not 
accessible to the writer. From April, 1776, to May, 



MP. fuller's reply. 93 

1786, no record is preserved on the church book of any 
transactions. *' Sometime subsequent however," says 
Mr. Russell in his History of Princeton, " to the trial of 
the suit at Salem, which ho commenced against the town 
for the recovery of his salary, Mr. Fuller published a 
vindication* of his conduct, in which is incorporated, 
probably, the substance of his reply to the church." 
With respect to the charge of toryism he says, — " What 
my people believed, I am unable to determine ; but 1 
persuade myself they did not believe me opposed to the 
measures of my country, because there was nothing in 
my conduct or conversation to justify such a faith, con- 
sidered as a rational principle. My principles did not 
forbid my offering the petitions of the people for relief; 
but I readily joined with my people on all days set apart 
by any Court or Congress, for public devotion, and led 
them in their addresses to heaven for aid and deliver- 
ance. "t In regard to the charges of neglect of lectures, 
catechising, and pastoral visits, he says, — " To these I at 
that time answered, that I had rarely omitted a lecture 
previous to the communion, except for a period some- 
what exceeding a year after my settlement, when lec- 
tures were not so statedly appointed as afterwards, by 
reason of necessary avocations. That I had made it a 
rule to catechise their children twice a year, from which 
I had seldom deviated. That I had visited them ull 
generally once a year ; and never neglected to visit per- 

* " This is a small ijamplilet of twenty-three pagea, entitled ' Remarks, &,c.' 
aiiJ (Mirjiorts to be written in reply to some strictures upon a pamphlet published 
iiy the Rev. Mr. Thatcher. It is without date or signature, and but few copies 
pioliably exist. For the one in my possession I am indebted to the politenesa 
ofCharles Mirick, Esq " 

fTbo charge of toryism, against Mr. Fuller, we have narrated in the Cliap- 
;t,er on the Revolutionary War. 

9 



94 MR. fuller's reply. 

sons in sickness, upon their offering a note for public 
prayers, or upon particular application, and on such 
visits had endeavored to adapt my addresses to their cir- 
cumstances." The charge of levity, in presiding at the 
church meetings, is explained by supposing " the mode- 
rator laid down his head on the seat before him, shiver- 
incT with the cold, which the people might fondly con- I 
str°ue into a shake of laughter." - It may he impossi- 
Z^/e," somewhat satirically continues the writer, '^ sojne- 
times in such debates and altercations to suppress a re- 
luctant smile. And there may he such a concurrence of 
circumstances, as to protect a man from censure, in such 
a case, on any occasion whatever, except an immediate ad- 
dress to the Deity.'' Mr. Russell proceeds, '' The ty- 
ranny in church government, another subject of com- 
plaint, seems to have been charged upon Mr. Fuller in 
two instances in particular ; in one of which, he refused 
to put a vote whereby the church would go into an im- 
mediate investigation of the charges, then for the first: 
time brought against him. On his refusal, the church i 
were on the point of voting in a new moderator, when he: 
dissolved the meeting. In the other instance, he over- 
ruled a motion to choose a committee to collect articles, 
of charge against him, remarking that if any one hadi 
anything against him, he had full liberty to offer it, andJ, 
in due time, it should be laid before the church, but that 
he would not be active in choosing a committee to huntj 
up articles against him. In vindication of Mr. Fuller's-| 
conduct, in this respect, I should remark that, up to this^ 
time, the ministers claimed the right of negativing any^ 
vote of the church which they disliked."* 

Such was the character of the charges against^Mr. Ful- 

See ' History of Princeton' pp. 41, 42, 



ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL. 95 

ler, and such his reply to them. During several months, 
•continued but inetlectual efforts were made to secure 
equitable adjustment. Meeting after meeting was held. 
It was finally decided, on the part of the church and 
town, to submit the determination of the whole matter 
to an Ecclesiastical Council. Consequently a Council 
convened March 11, 1776, at the house of Caleb Mi- 
rick, from the churches in Worcester, Westminster, and 
the first ia Shrewsbury. After the organization of said 
council, notice was given to Mr. Fuller and his presence 
solicited ; who, on receiving said notice, communicated 
through them a letter to the town and church commit- 
tee, proposing a mutual Ecclesiastical Council, on the 
following terms : — " 1st. To consist of nine churches, 
four to be chosen by each party, the ninth mutually, and 
to be selected from this county, in consequence of the 
almost universal adoption in Worcester county, of the 
* Bolton plan.'* 2d. Each church to be represented by 
its pastor and two delegates. 3d. That all articles of 
grievance be submitted to them. 4th. That each party 
be served with a copy of these articles at least fourteen 
days before the sitting of the Counc;il. 5th. That the 
Council regulate their own proceedings. 6th. That the 
uumher of ipersons sitting in Council from each church 
be equal. 7th. That each party choose several churches 
extraordinary, out of which they may supply, if any of 
the first choice should happen to fail." These proposals 
were assented to on the part of the committee, with the 
substitution of seven churches instead of nine. Mr. Ful- 
ler consented, and accordingly the committee, in con- 

* Previous to the year 1776 it had been the unanimous practice of the minis- 
ters to negative any vote of the church which they disapproved. This right, 
liowever, the church in Bolton disputed, and tlieir views veere finally sano 
tioned by an Ecclesiastical Council. Hence the "Bolton plan." 



90 ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL. 

nection with Mr. F., proceeded to tlie selection of church- 
es. A disagreement, however, arose between the par- 
ties, in choosing the " extraordinary churches," which 
defeated the whole plan. Hence the former council, 
with the addition of the first church in Dedham and the 
church in Weston, convened on the IGth of April, and 
Mr. Fuller was requested to appear before said Council, 
by a letter from the Rev. Mr. Maccarty, who had been 
elected moderator. This he refused to do, stating as an 
objection, that he considered that they were an exparte 
Council, and of consequence were devoted to the inter- 
ests of his opponents. 

The Council then proceeded to make the following 
proposition,— that they would name twelve churches, 
iTom which each party should select three, mutually con- 
senting to the church in Weston, (which was then pre- 
sent) as the seventh, which should be a council for the 
final settlement of all grievances. With this, again, Mr. 
Fuller refused to comply^ stating as an objection, that it 
would be, in eff'ect, exparte, as the whole twelve from 
which the mutual council was to be chosen, were selected 
by the sitting council. Says Mr. Fuller in his reply to 
the proposal of the council,-— " If my brethren had pro- 
posed to choose my judges, I should not have thought it 
strange, but that you, gentlemen, should propose that 
they should do the same thing by proxy, is a little wonder- 
ful." At the same time he renewed his proposal for a 
mutual council, on the same conditions as before men- 
tioned. This was declined by the council, on'' account 
of the embarrassments thrown in the way" at the first at- 
tempt, in the selection of the '* extraordinary churches." 
The council now proceeded to advise Mr. Fuller to re- 
quest a dismission. He however declined, but waited 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. 97 

on tliem, proposing a mutual council on one of the two 
following conditions : — 1st. He would " set aside six of 
the churches which the brethren had chosen," the six 
that remained, in connection with the seventh which 
should be mutually selected, to constitute the council. 
2d. *' I will set aside," says Mr. Fuller, " twenty church- 
es, and the brethren as many more, and then we will 
each choose three congregational churches, of good 
standing, any where in the province, no objection on 
-either side ; who, together with one mutually agreed 
upon, shall be a mutual council." 

Neither of these propositions were acceded to ; and 
the council on the 19th, again proceeded to advise, fi- 
nally, Mr. Fuller's dismission. He was accordingly dis- 
missed. Subsequently Mr. Fuller called an exparte 
council, consisting of Rev. Mr. Howard's church, Bos- 
ton, Payson's of Chelsea, Whitney's of Shirley, Adams' 
of Lunenburg, and Barnard's of Salem. The result of 
this was favorable to Rev. Mr. Fuller. Being dissatis- 
fied with the result of the first council, and also believing 
it to have been illegal, Mr. Fuller commenced a suit 
against the town in 1782, for the recovery of his salary 
from 1775. The case was argued at Salem in Novem- 
ber, by Judge Parsons in behalf of the plaintiff, and 
Messrs, Sullivan and Lincoln for the defendants. Mr. 
Fuller, however, lost his case — a verdict being found in 
favor of the tow^n, and thus ended this unhappy and pro- 
tracted controversy. 

The Rev. Timothy Fuller, a graduate of Cambridge 
University, in 1760, was born inMiddleton, in this State, 
in 1738., and descended from an ancient family, who em- 
igrated from England to this country in 1628. After 
his dismission from Princeton, Mr. Fuller removed to 
9* 



98 REV. DANIEL ADAMS. 

Martha's Vineyard, and preached in Chilmark until tlie 
close of the revolutionary war. In 1782 he removed to 
Middleton, his native place, and in a short time subse- 
quent to that period, he returned to Princeton, where he 
devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1788, he 
represented the town in the convention which approved 
and adopted the present Federal Constitution. In 1796, 
Mr. Fuller removed to Merrimac, N. H., where he was 
employed in cultivating the soil, until July, 1805, when 
he died, at the age of sixty-tive.* 

* For the materials of the biographical sketch of Mr. Fuller, as well as of 
several other clergymen, I am indebted to the History of Piinceton by Russell. 



CHAPTER Vir. 

Uiiauccessful efForts for a re-establishment of the Gospel Ministry— Settlement 
of Mr. Crafts— He requests a Dismission — Letter to him— Rev. Mr. Good- 
rich—New Meeting House— Mr. Russell's Settlement— Dedication of 
Meeting House —Mr. Russell's Dismission — Settlement of Mr. Murdock — 
First General Revival of Religion in Town— Church Covenant— Mr. Mur- 
dock's Dismission. 

In the period of little more than ten years subsequent 
to the dismssion of Mr. Fuller, several candidates were 
heard, and three unsuccessful attempts were made for 
the re-establishment of the Gospel ministry.* The first | 
of these was on the 26th of January, 1778, when the 
town ** voted to concur with the church in their choice 
of Mr. Daniel Adams of Med way for their Pastor," at the 
same time offering him =£400 as a settlement. At a sub- 
sequent meeting the inhabitants voted a salary of ^€70, 

* January 7, 177°, was set apart by a vote of the church and town, for humil- 
ation, prayer, and .'supplication oftlie divine assistance, for the re-establish- 
ment of the Gospel ministry. 



REV. MESSRS. LITCHFIELD AND HUBBARD. 



99 



to be paid him annually, so long as he should continue 
in the ministry with them, as follows : One half at the 
Rate of Indian Com at/owr sJdlUngs per bushel, and the 
remainder in cash, from the fluctuating currency of the 
limes. Mr. Adams declined this invitation. 

In October, an invitation was given to Rev. Paul 
Litchfield to settle in the place, and a settlement of 
c^GOO, with the same pecuniary encouragement as an 
annual salary, which had been previously offered Mr. 
Adams, was'tendered to him. At a subsequent meet- 
ino-, however, the town so far reconsidered this as to 
vote,—" that there be paid to Mr. Paul Litchfield each 
and every year during his continuance in the mmistry 
among us seventy pounds as followeth ;— twenty-three 
pound's, six shillings, eight pence, at the Rate of Indian 
Corn at th^ee sJdUings per bushel, £2^, ds, Sd, at the 
Rate of Beef at twenty shillings per hundred ; and £23, 
65, Sd, in cash of the present currency." Mr. Litchfield 
declined this invitation. It was renewed in May, 1779, 
by a vote of the town, 46 to 22, with the setdement 
augmented to c£1200, with the same salary, only c£17, 
10s, however, being payable in the then currency. This 
invitation he also declined. 

In January, 1781, Rev. Ebenezer Hubbard was invi- 
ted to settle, and a settlement of .£200 lawful money, of- 
fered, payable " at the rate of Indian Corn at 3s, Rye 
at foiir shillings a bushel, beef at 20 shillings per hun- 
dred, and pork at three-and-a-half pence per pound." 
A salary also of c£73, Qs, Sd, of lawful money payable 
at the rates of Indian Corn, Beef and Pork, as above.* 
It was also voted subsequent to this period, that thirty 

* This was a necessary expedient to avoid the depreciation of the paper cur- 
rency of the times. 



100 REV. THOMAS CRAFTS. 

cords of wood annually, be added to this salary. Mr. 
Hubbard however declined the invitation. 

No further attempts were made for the re-establish- 
ment of the Gospel ministry until January, 1786, when 
Rev. Thomas Crafts received an invitation from the in- 
habitants to become their pastor. It was voted that *' the 
sum of ^200 be paid him in six months after his or- 
ilination, as his settl€m<3nt, and that the sum of .£80 
be paid him as his annual salary, and that twenty cords 
of wood be delivered him every Fall so long as he shall 
continue our minister.'' Mr. Crafts accepted the call, 
and was ordained on the 28th of June, 1786.* On this 
occasion letters missive, inviting their presence by pas- 
tor and delegate, were sent to the fourth church in 
Bridgewater, the church in Brattle-street, Boston, — in 
Roxbury, Brookline, Shrewsbury, Rutland, Holden and 
Sterling, all of which werepresent« 

Mr. Crafts continued to discharge the duties of the 

* "No little displaywouldseera to have been made on this occasion, ifwc may 
Judge from the following account, which I accidentally came across among a 
mass of loose papers in the Town Clerk's office, and which speaks loud for the 
multitude present or the poverty of the town. The people of Princeton would 
l»e the last to let such an occasion pass wanting in a single one of the ' good 
things of this life' which usually load the groaning tables of the ordinatioH 
day." 

'TVj the Town of Princeton, to me Debtor. 
For going to Hardwick, to carry Mr. Crafts— the call of 

the town, 09 00 

Also for fetching cider, plates and dishes from Slirews- 

bury and carrying them back again, 06 00 

For going to Westminster for knives and forks, and for 

a horse to carry one of the cooks home, 07 60 

For nine dozen eggs for the Council, 06 00 

18 60 
Princeton, June 30, 1786.' ADONIJAH HOWE, 

1 also find about this time — 

' The Toion of Princeton, To Samuel Dadman, Dr. 

For one leg of bacon \Q,Ji lbs., 13 11 2.' 

which it is not unfounded conjecture to suppose, went the way of the < niiie 
4ozen eggs for the Council.' "—Russell's Ilist. of Princeton, Chap. v. 



LETTER TO MR. CRAFTS. 101 

ministry with fidelity, for about tlirec years, until his 
health failed. For nearly two years he was unable to 
preach, when all hope of recovery, so as to be able to 
carry on the work of the sacred office, being cut off, he 
requested and received, a dismission from the pastoral re- 
lation. 

That Rev. Mr. Crafts was very highly respected and 
beloved by the people of his charge, is evident from the 
following letter, sent him on the occasion of his dismis- 
sion : — 

"Reverend Sir : — The Church and Congregation in 
Princeton having this day, according to your request, 
voted your dismission from your Pastoral Relation sole- 
ly on the account of your ill state of health and little 
prospect of your future usefulness in that work ; We the 
Church and Congregation in this place declare that it 
is with reluctance that we are constrained to part with 
you under these considerations ; that it has been with 
pleasure and much satisfaction that we have sat under 
your ministry ; that we sincerely sympathize with you 
under these (your)afflictions ; that we ardently wish Al- 
mighty God would take you and your family under His 
Gracious Protection, and if it be his pleasure, to give 
you a confirmed state of health, and make you yet use- 
ful in your public character, and long continue you a 
blessing to the world. 

''We ask an interest in your prayers, and subscribe 
''Your affectionate Friends and Brethren, 

Moses Gill, Moderator.'''' 

" Signed at the request of the town in town meeting 

assembly. 

To the Rev. Mr. Thos. Crafts." 



102 REV. MR. GOODRICH. 

Ilev. Thomas Crafts was a native of Newton, son of 
Dr. John S. Crafts, who removed to Norlh-Bridgewater 
when his son was quite young. The latter graduated at 
Cambridge University in 1783. After his removal from 
Princeton he returned to Bridgewater, in which place 
and Weymouth he resided until 1802, when, having re- 
gained his health, he settled over a church and society 
in Middleborough, where he continued his labors until 
his demise, January 19, 1819, at the age of 60. 

For several months after the dismission of Rev. Mr. 
Crafts, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Hezekiah Good- 
rich, who was subsequently settled over the church and 
society in Rutland. On the 5th of December, 1791, it 
was " voted unanimously that Mr. Hezekiah Goodrich's 
late preaching has been acceptable to the town, and that 
the committee be instructed to apply to him to preach 
six Sabbaths on probation — after the term which he is 
engaged has expired." Whether Mr. Goodrich com- 
plied with this vote we are not able to say. He how- 
ever received no call from the church or town to settle 
over them in the ministry. No attempt was made, from 
1791 until 1795, for the re-establishment of the Gospel 
ministry in Princeton. 

The first Meeting House exhibiting signs of decay, the 
question was discus.^:. J in Town Meeting, March 9, 
1795, " shall a new meeting-house be built." It was 
the opinion of the town to build a new house. A com- 
mittee, consisting of Dea, Howe, William Whittaker, 
Capt. Samuel Hastings, His Honor Moses Gill, and 
Lieut. A, Merriam, w^as appointed to draft a plan and 
estimate the probable cost. Subsequently this commit- 
tee reported the probable expense of said house as fol- 
lows : .£1039, 85 for materials, .£60 for extra expenses, 



NEW MEETING HOUSE. 103 

^700 for carpenters' work; and the probable amount 
which would accrue from sale of pews, and the old house 
at .£1875. The committee also reported the following 
plan : — Dimensions, 70 by 55 feet ; to contain 75 ground 
and 2G gallery Pews. Their report was accepted by the 
town, whereupon a building committee, consisting of 
Hon. Moses Gill, Capt. Samuel Hastings, Lieut. Amos 
Merriam, David Brooks and William Whittaker, was 
chosen. This committee was instructed to erect the 
" New Meeting House on the ground where the old 
meeting-house stands, or as nigh it as shall in the 
judgment of the committee be most eligible." The 
pews in said house were disposed of May 6, 1795, some 
months previous to its erection.* The whole amount of 
receipts from the sale of the same was .£1728, 3^^, Id, 
and the whole cost of said house (exclusive of the bell, 
which was purchased some years subsequent for 8470, 
and the painting, for which #320 was paid afterwards,) 
<£2273, 35, Id, consequently there was a deficiency of 
^545, M, which was raised at a subsequent period by 
a general tax. ^ 

Previous to the erection of this house, the Rev. Jo- 
seph Russell received an invitation from the church and 
town to settle over them as a pastor. December 7, 
1795, the town voted unanimously to concur with the 
church in their " invitation" made on the 20th of Nov. 
to Mr. Russell. At the same time it was " voted that 
the usual mode of giving a settlement be dispensed with, 
and that the sum of four hundred thirty-three dollars 
and one third of a dollar be paid him yearly during his 
continuance in the ministry." It was also voted, on the 

* Michrel Gill, Esq., paid £36 for N0.6G Pevv in said house, which was the 
highest sum obtained for any one. 



101 MR. Russell's settlement. 

8tli of February, 1796, to "furnish Mr. Russell with 
twenty-five cords of good merchantable wood annually, 
delivered to him at his dwelling-house, so long as he 
shall continue our minister and the price of staple com- 
modities remain as they now are ; but when the capital 
articles of consumption shall revert back to their former 
standard, that is to say, when the price of beef shall be 
reduced from thirty-six to twenty-four shillings per hun- 
dred ; Pork from six to four pence per pound ; Rye 
from six to four-shillings per bushel ; Indian Corn from 
four-and-six-pence to three shillings per bushel ; the 
whole expense of the wood, be it more or less, shall be 
deducted from the salary already voted by the town, and 
so in a less proportion as the price of those commodities 
shall gradually decrease." 

Mr. Russell having accepted the invitation, March IG^ 
1796, was fixed for his ordination, and a committee 
charged with the proper preparations. The time ap- 
pointed for the ceremony having arrived, the Rev. Dr. 
Morse, of Charlestown, introduced the solemnities with 
prayer; Rev. Mr. Backus of Somers, delivered a sermon 
from Matthew, xvi, 26, "For what is a man profited, 
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? 
or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" — 
Rev. Dr. Thacher, of Boston, made the ordaining pray- 
er ; Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Brookline, gave the charge; 
Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of Sterling, bestowed the right hand 
of fellowship ; Rev. Dr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury, offer- 
ed the concluding prayer ; and the exercises were closed 
with an Anthem.* 

* " Voted that the committee to provide for Ihe ordaining counsel keep the 
crockery ware, knives and forks, &c., until the new meeting house is raised, 
Uljen to dispose of tl?em and pay the money into the town treasury." Tuicn 
Jiccords, Vol. 2. 



CALL TO MR. MURDOCK. 105 

Tlie church and society continued to worship in tlie 
old meeting house until April, 1797, when, the new house 
being completed, it was dedicated. An appropriate dis- 
course was preached by the pastor on the occasion. 
About the same time, the lion. Moses Gill presented to 
the church, a flagon, tankard, two pewter and two sil- 
ver cups, for the communion table. It was also voted 
to " introduce Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns" as a sub- 
stitute for the Psalms before used. Mr. Ebenezcr, Par- 
ker was, on the 2Sth of November, 1800, elected to the 
office of Deacon, vice Deacon Howe, deceased. 

Mr. Russeli continued to perform the duties of his 
office, to the general acceptance of his people, until Sep- 
tember 12, 1801, when he requested a dismission, alleg- 
ing as a reason, that he was unable, on the account of 
the precarious state of his health, to apply himself to 
study with that assiduity, which his engagements indis- 
pensably required. After some unwillingness and delay 
on the part of the town to grant the request of their pas- 
tor, he was finally dismissed. 

A short time subsequent to his dismission from Prince- 
ton, Mr. Russell removed to Troy, and has since been 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

The Rev. James Murdock, was engaged to preach to 
the church and society in Princeton after the dismission 
of Mr. Russell ; and on the I8th of March, 1802 the 
church unanimously requested his permanent settlement 
as their pastor. The concurrence of the town was given 
to this call on the 5th of April following, with only u 
single dissenting voice. The stated salary was ^'366, 
67, the improvement of a farm previously purchased by 
the town as a parsonage,* and twenty cords of wood an- 

♦ The present residence and farm of Mr. David IL Gregory. 

10 



lOG ORDINATION OF REV. MR. MURDOCK. 

nually. To this invitation Mr. Murdock relumed an af- 
firmative answer. 

The ordination services took place June 23d, 180^. 
The introductory prayer was offered by Rev. Hezekiah 
Goodrich of Rutland ; sermon by Rev. Jonathan Mur- 
dock of Bozrah, Conn., from 1 Peter, i : xvii,— " Which 
things the angels desire to look into" ; ordaining prayer 
by Rev. Joseph Sumner, D. D., of Shrewsbury ; the 
charge by Rev. Asaph Rice of Westminster ; the right 
hand" of fellowship by Rev. Joseph Avery of Holden : 
and the concluding prayer by Rev. Reuben Holcomb. of 
Sterling. The Rev. William Nash of Boylston with the 
church^under his charge, were also present on this occa- 

sion. . 

During Mr. Murdock's ministry in Princeton, the 
church was greatly strengthened by accessions to its 
numbers and graces ; especially in the year 1810, when, 
through the blessing of God on his preaching, a revival 
of rehgion was experienced among the people, and near- 
ly fifty were made subjects of converting grace. Of that 
number several are still living, who remember the pe- 
riod with joyful emotions. This was the first general re- 
vival after the settlement of the town. 

As a substitute for the old church covenant, the follow- 
incT articles of faith and covenant were, after due delib- 
eration, adopted by the church with great unanimity* 
Nov. 1, 1810. 

1 " You believe that there is one God, the creator and propri- 
etor of all worlds, a being of infinite power, wisdom, justice, 

*" Those whovoted in the negative" say tl>e church record., - declared, 
that they fully approved both the Articles and Confession, except that they 
could not see fit to require any acknowledgements of RVt.cular -"^. -'" ^^^ 
parenthesis in the first section of the Covenant, though they were w.Hn g that 
^11 candidates for admission who felt disposed should make such acknowledge, 
ments." 



CHURCH COVENANT. 107 

goodness and truth ; the self-existent, independent and un- 
changeable fountain of all good. 

"2. Vou believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Tes- 
tament were written by inspiration of God ; and tiiat thoy con- 
tain a complete and harmonious system of religious truths and 
precepts, by which we ought to form our doctrinal belief, and 
regulate our religious practice. 

3. " You believe, according to the scriptures, that in the unity 
of the Godhead there exists a trinity of persons, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost ; and these three persons are one in essence, 
and equal in all divine attributes. 

4. " You believe that God hath made all things for himself ; 
that he exercises a particular providence over all worlds, and 
regulates and governs all things, according to the holy and un- 
changeable counsels of his own wisdom and goodness. 

5. " You beli-eve that the law of God, the principles and whole 
administration of the divine government, are perfectly holy, just 
end good. 

C. " You believe that our first parents were originally holy and 
happy in the enjoyment of God's favor, till by voluntarily trans- 
gressing in the garden, they fell from their original state, lost 
the image and favor of God, and became proper subjects of 
everlasting condemnation. 

7. " You believe that the apostacy of our first parents in- 
volved all their offspring in its dreadful consequences, so that 
till renewed by the power of God, all the sons and daughters of 
Adam are dead in trespasses and sins — have carnal minds, 
which are at emnity against God — and do live in the habitual 
violation of all his commands ; for which reason they are proper 
subjects of everlasting condemnation. 

8. " You believe that God, out of his mere good pleasure, and 
to manifest the riches of his mercy, has devised a plan of re- 
demption ; that in fulfilment of this gracious plan, the Son of 
God became incarnate, lived a life of holy obedience on eaith, 
suffered and died on the cross, (as is stated in the scriptures) and 
thus made infinite atonement for sin, and laid a foundation for 
the free pardon and complete salvation of every penitent believer 
in him. 

9. "You believe that all who hear the gospel are invited to 
come and share in the salvation which is by Jesus Christ, and 
that whosoever will, may come and take of this water of life 
freely ; yet such is the perversity and opposition of the carnal 
heart to God and to the gospel, that none will come to Christ, 
till the Father, by the special regenerating influence of his Ho- 
ly Spirit, draw them. 

10. " You believe that those who embrace the gospel were 



108 CHURCH COVENANT. 

chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, unto salva- ■ 
tion through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth ; 
and that the Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity, whose 
office it is, does regenerate and afterwards dwell in all the heirs 
of salvation, working in them both to will and to do, according 
to the good pleasure of God. 

11. " You believe that there is no condemnation to them who 
have "believed in Christ Jesus ; but notwithstanding their weak- 
ness and inability of themselves to stand, they are kept by the 
niio-hty power of God, through faith, unto salvation. 

12. " You believe that Christ has a visible church on earth, 
into which all his real disciples and they only, ought to be ad- 
mitted; that the members of a particular church are required to 
watch over, counsel and assist each other as brethren ; and that 
if any walk disorderly and will not be reclaimed, they oug'.it to 
be cut off from the church. . , ^t m . 

13 >• You believe that the Sacraments of the New Testament 
are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that believers of regular 
church standing only, consistently partake of the sacred ^up- 
per; and that believers, together with their households, and they 
only, can be consistently admitted to the ordinance of Baptism. 

14. " You believe that at the second coming of Christ there 
will be a general resurrection of the bodies both of the just and 
of the unjust; that the whole human race will then stand be- 
fore the judgment-seat of Christ, to receive sentence according 
to the deeds done in the body ; and that from the judgment- 
seat the wicked will go away into everlastmg punishment, but 
the righteous into life eternal. ^ 

" Do you without reserve, avow this to be your real beliej } 

The following covenant was subscribed : 

« You, in obedience to the gracious invitations of the gospel, 
do now, with religious fear, approach the living God, in the 
name of Jesus Christ, to take upon you las everlasting Covenant. 
And in the first place, you come and lay yourself at the lect of 
God as a guilty rebel, begging for mercy. Before God, angels, 
and men, you confess with grief and self abasement that you 
were conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity ; that you have 
been an enemy to God and to his holy government, and I ave 
abused his lon^r suffering, and slighted his gracious offers of 
pardon and eternal life. You come before him, from your very 
soul ashamed of yourself. You blush and are ashamed to lift up 
your face unto God, yea, even confounded at the remembrance 
of your innumerable sins and immense criminality. Particular- 
ly you come mourning for your open and scandalous violations 



CHURCH COVENANT. 109 

of the 1st 2(1 3(1 &c., commandments, or for your (here mention 
1st Atheistn, infidelity, opposition to the cross of Christ. 2d. 
Neglect or profanation of God's worship and ordinances. 3d. 
Profanity, and irrever-ence for things sacred. 4th. Profanation 
and violation of the Sahbath. 5lh. Disobedience to parents, 
disrespect and undutillil carriage towards superiors, pride, and 
overbearing or unkind behavior towards inferiors. Glh. Indul- 
gence of angry, malicious, revengeful passions, or of a quarrel- 
some, contentious, unmerciful and unforgiving temper. 7th. 
Unchaste, filthy conversation and behaviour, whoredom, adulte- 
ry, revilings, drunkenness. 8th. Theft, robbery, extortion, 
cheating, oppressions of the poor, the widow or fatherless ; dis- 
honesty, prodigality. 9th. Perjury, lying, backbiting, talebear- 
ing. iOth. Covetousness, envy, avaiice, seltishncss ; or any 
other sin which may be thought proper.) And you do now, as 
you humbly hope and trust, with unfeigned sorrow, approach the 
heart searching God, and cast yourself down before tlie throne as 
a guilty helpless sinner, supplicating for pjf Jon and eternal life 
through the atoning blood of the Lamb. And you moreover call 
Heaven and Earth to witness, that you this day avouch the Lord 
Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to be your God and por- 
tion, and give up yourself, soul and body, to him in everlasting 
covenant ; that you consecrate all your powers and faculties, and 
all your worldly possessions, to his service and glory ; and sol- 
emnly promise, in dependence on divine grace and assistance, 
(without which you can do nothing) that henceforth, renouncing 
oil other Lords and forsaking every sinful way, you will love and 
serve and cleave to the Lord your God, as your chief good and 
5'our everlasting portion ; that you will walk humbly and peni- 
tently belore him, in all tilings seeking the honor of his name 
and the interest of his kingdom; that you will submit yourself 
unreservedly to his government, and labor to keep all his holy 
commandments ; that you will daily seek communion with him 
in private, and will regularly attend family and public worship, 
and all divine ordinarices, so far as you shall have opportunity; 
that you will give diligent heed to the suggestions and influ- 
ences of his Holy Spirit, and study not to grieve that blessed 
Comforter to depart from you ; that yon will continually look 
unto Jesus Christ as your example, your Lord, your strength and 
your Redeemer ; and that denying all ungodliness and every 
worldly lust, you will henceforth make it your great and con- 
stant care to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present 
€vil world, till it shall please God, in his infinite mercy to take 
you to himself. And you do here publicly before God, and with 
a desire to serve him, join yourself" to this as a true church. Yon 
promise to walk with this church in the faith and order of tUe 
10* 



110 MR. murdock's dismission. 

ffospel, engaging, unreservedly, to submit yourself to its disci- 
pline, so far as conformable to the rules of the gospel. You 
promise to attend all the ordinances of the gospel, and the sac- 
raments of the New Testament with us ; and to strive as much 
as in you lies to promote the peace, the edification and the pu- 
rity of this church, to which you now make these solem covenant 
engagements." 

Dr. Murdock continued oiinister of the town for twelve 
years. The connection of pastor and parish had been 
one of uninterrupted harmony. The intimation of his 
intention to remove, upon being appointed Professor of 
the Learned Languages in the University of Vermont, at 
Burlington, was received with regret that circumstances 
had led to this result. The church, however, unani- 
mously complied with the following request of their pas- 
tor : — 

" My beloved brethren— The University of Vermont 
having elected me to the office of Professor of the Learned 
Languages in their College at Burlington; and the sala- 
ry which the town has been pleased to afford me having 
become quite inadequate to the support of my family, I 
urn induced to request that you would unite with the 
town and myself in calling a mutual ecclesiastical Coun- 
cil to which we may refer the very interesting question 
of my dismission, and which shall have power to dissolve 
the connexion between us if they shall judge a separa- 
tion lo be expedient and proper. 
*' I am Dear Brethren, 

Your affectionate friend and Pastor. 

JAMES MURDOCK. 
Princeton, Oct. 2d, 1815." . 

The town having declined to unite with the church ^ 
and pastor Mr. Murdock solicited the church to unite 
with him in calling a council according to one of the 



MR. murdock's dismission. Ill 

stipulations made at his settlement. With this request 
the church complied, one only declining to vote. Con- 
sequently the council convened at the house of the Rev. 
Mr. Murdock Oct. 11, 1815, and, after considering the 
reason offered in the above communication which relates 
to salary, decided that this was not a sufficient reason 
why a dissolution should take place — as the town in all 
jirobabiiity would increase their pastor's salary if applied 
to. '* But in consideration of the vast importance," 
says the Result of Council, " of those institutions in 
which young men are educated for the ministry and for 
all the higher offices in society, the uniform practice in 
New England since its settlement to dismiss Pastors to 
fill the office of President and Professors in our Colleges, 
when called to it, the great want of ministers at the pre- 
sent day, the deep interest which the Church in particu- 
lar must feel in the infant University of Vermont, the pe- 
culiar and eminent qualifications of the Rev. Mr. Mur- 
dock for the office to which he is elected, and the pros- 
pect of his being more extensively useful by a removal, 
we do think he is called in the providence of God to leave 
the people to whom he is justly so dear ; we do there- 
fore judge it expedient that he be dismissed from his pas- 
toral relations to this church and he is hereby dismissed. 
While we sympathise with this Church and People under 
the removal of a Pastor they so highly esteem, we are 
no less happy in being able to express our unqualified ap- 
probation of the conduct of the church on this tender 
subject. The respect and kindness which both the 
Church and People have shown to their minister, and the 
pleasing union and harmony, which subsist among them, 
excite a pleasing hope and confident expectation, that 
they will make speedy and successful exertions for the 



112 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. 

re-settlement of the gospel ministry, and know from long 
and happy experience how good and how pleasant it is 
for brethren to dwell together in unity. We affection- 
ately commend this Church and people and their late 
Pastor with his family to the mercy and grace of God 
and devoutly implore for them the benediction of 
Heaven." 

In complying with the *' Result" of the Ecclesiastical 
Council which dissolved the connection of their Pastor, 
the church and town strongly expressed affection for his 
persow, respect for his character, and gratitude for his 
services. 

The Rev. James Murdock, D. D., was born at Say- 
brook, Conn., Feb. 16, 1776. He graduated at Yale 
College, 1797. During the three or four years follow- 
ing he was engaged as a preceptor, ** first in the public 
grammar-school at New Haven, and afterward in Hamil- 
ton Oneida Academy." After leaving his official station 
in Princeton, he entered immediately on his new sphere 
of duty in the University of Vermont. In 1819 he was 
elected to the Brown Professorship of Sacred Rhetoric 
and Ecclesiastical History in the Theological Seminary 
at Andover, where he remained until October, 1828, 
when he removed to New Haven, where he has since re- 
sided, devoting himself to the pursuit of ecclesiastical 
history.* 

* Some of the publicationg of Dr. Murdock, are the following : 1. Sermon 
on the nature of the Atonement, delivered at Andover, J823. 2. Elements of 
Dogmatic History, translated from tli-e German of Professor VVm. Muenscher 
of Marpurg, 1 voL 12 mo., New Haven, 1830. 3. Translation of Dr. Moschim'a 
Institute of Ecclesiastical History, 3 vols. 8 vo, New Haven, 1832. 



ATTEMPTS TO SETTLE MR. CLARKE. 113 



CHAPTER viir. 

Relisioiis Divisions— Attempt to settle Rev. Mr. Clarke— Remonstrance of the 
Church — Church has a right to choose its own Pastor — Mr. Clarke's Re- 
ply to Call — 8econd etlbrt of the Town to settle Mr. Clarke — His Reply — 
Pcthion circulated through theTowB — Call of Mutual Council — Its Re- 
sult— Protest of the Minority— Mr. Clarke's Covenant— Third Call of tiie 
Town to Mr. Clarke— His Reply and Settlement. 

After the dismission of Rev. Dr. Murdock, but a short 
time elapsed, before the committee of the Town, appoint- 
ed to supply the pulpit, invited Rev. Samuel Clarke to 
preach as a candidate for settlement. From that period, 
differences of opinion on religious doctrine, commenced 
development, which, in their progress, prodticed division 
in the parent parish, and extended their distracting influ- 
ence over civil, municipal, social, and private affuirF. 
It was soon ascertained that Mr. Clarke preached a dif- 
ferent doctrine from his predecessor, and from that pro- 
fessed by the church ; yet it appears that it was congenial 
with the sentiments and feelings of a majority of the 
citizens, but not of the church. 

A meeting was convened on the 25th of June, 1816, 
when, in accordance with an article inserted in the war- 
rant, the committee* to supply the pulpit were instructed, 
48 to 44, " to request Mr. Samuel Clarke to return and 
preach farther with them in order for a settlement." At 
the request of Mr. Clarke's friends, a meeting of the 
inhabitants was warned to be held on the 26lh of August 
following, to give him a call to settle with them in the 
work of the ministry, when the vote stood — for the can- 

* We have been credibly informed that it was stated in open town meeting 
by one of the leading friends of Mr. Clarke, that it was their design, in select- 
ing a committee to supply the pulpit, to elect such as they knew would not 
employ a Calvinist. 



114 ATTEMPTS TO SETTLE MR. CLARKE. 

didate 102, against 44. At the same time, a committee* 
was also appointed to request the Deacons of the church 
to call a church meeting, to see if they would concur in 
this invitation. Accordingly the church, as a distinct 
body, respectable in point of numbers,! met on the 2d 
of September, and by a large majority, 19 to 8, refused 
to unite in this call to Mr. Clarke. 

The town, not satisfied with the action of the church, 
subsequently made the second ineffectual attempt to pro- 
cure their concurrence, when the vote stood — for con- 
currence 8, against 21. From this time, it appears that 
the town resolved to proceed independent of the church, 
and, disregarding their rights and privileges, to impose 
upon them a pastor whose sentiments they greatly disap- 
proved and whose ministry they could never conscientious- 
ly attend. Accordingly, they communicated their inten- 
tions to Mr. Clarke, requesting him to settle with them 
in the gospel ministry, and at the same time proposing 
to give him an annual salary of $600. The church, on 
the other hand, forwarded the following strong, but re- 
spectful remonstrance to Mr. Clarke, against his accept- 
ing the call of the town : 

" To Mr. Samuel Clarke, candidate Jor the Gospel Minisinj. 

" Dear Sir : — The Church of Christ in Princeton, being appri- 
sed of the call you have received from the town of Princeton to 
settle with them in the Avork ot the gospel ministry, take the 
liberty to address you on the su!)ject, to which we invite your 
serious and candid attention. However much we may need a 
minister of the gospel to reside among us ; and iiowever desirous 
we may be to obtain one who shall preach to us and to our 
children the unsearchable riches of Christ, yet we cannot con- 
sent to receive one under such circumstances and with such 
prospects as are now presented to our view. We are brought 
to this conclusion not through disaffection to your person, nor 

* Abijah Harrington. j Tliirty-four male mooibers. 



REMONSTRANCE OP CHURCH. 115 



any deficiency in your abilities, or any fiiult we find in your 
moral character ; but especially for the following reasons, which 
are with us of primary consideration, and which we presume 
you cannot view with indifference. We present them to you 
distinctly. The first is, because we cannot consent to give up 
our rights and privileges, and sanction the irregularity of receiv- 
ing a minister in whose call and settlement we have not a prima- 
ry and distinct choice. 

" We understand it to have been the invariable custom of 
the New-England churches, in their earlier and better days, 
and wliich has not till of late been disregarded, in the fi.st place 
to make choice of their own minister, and then to invite the 
town or parish to concur in their election and call, and to aid 
in the settlement. This is the practice to which we have ever 
been accustomed, and which we view as our natural, inherent 
right, founded in reason and the sacred principles of Christianity, 
and whic!i we are, at present by no means prepared to surrender. 
We hold it as an unquestionable trutli, that every church of 
Christ has an inalienable right to ciioose its own pastor and 
teacher; and that the exercise of this right is conducive to the 
prosperity of religion and the welfare of civil society, wiiile the 
denial or suspension of it is of the most inauspicious tendency. 
We cannot therefore view with indifference the introduction of 
a different practice among our churcehs, nor without the deep- 
est concern the attempt to introduce it in this place, by the 
circumstances of the call with which you have been presented. 

" The other reason why we cannot consent to receive you as 
our minister, is because we are not satisfied with the doctrine3 
which you have preached and which it is presumed you will 
continue to preach, should you be settled here. However cor- 
rect you may view yourself, and however many good things 
you may say, yet we are constrained to think that your scheme 
of doctrine is not fundamentally that which is revealed in the 
Holy Scriptures. Without any impeachment of your honesty 
we must view the gospel which you preach to be radically a 
different thing from that preached by Christ and his apostles, 
and which the primitive and reformed churches received. It is 
with no small concern we have viewed the attempt recently 
n:iade in our own country to alter and mutilate the sacred rec- 
ords of our faith ; to lower down the character of our divine 
and adorable Saviour to that of a mere man or of a mere crea- 
ture ; and to subvert the foundation of our heavenly hopes, laid 
in the sacrifice of atonement offered on the cross. We wish 
not to have a scheme of religion, of whi:h these are some of 
the leading principles, preached in this place. However many 
apparently good things may be mixed with it, we are fully per^ 



116 REMONSTRANCE OF CHURCH. 

euaded that it will not conduce to our own edification, to the 
good of our children, nor to the spiritual welfare of the people 
in this town. 

" For these reasons, sir, we are constrained to dissent from the 
call you have received from the Town, and respectfully to re- 
monstrate against your settlement in this place in the character 
of a gospel minister. We hope you will take these things into 
serious and prayerful consideration, and act, m the view of 
them, as wisdom and prudence may direct. We entertain a 
good degree of confidence that you will not, by an acceptance 
of the call, sanction the irregularity under which it has been 
obtained and presented, and thus aid in depriving us of our 
rights, and in breaking down the walls which separate the 
church of Christ from the world ; and that you will not suffer 
yourself to be obtruded upon us not only without, but against 
our consent. Should you be settled here under existing cir- 
cumstances, you must it seems, be sensible of the critical sit- 
uation in which you will be placed, and be destitute of that 
prospect of harmony and usefulness which ought to have a 
weighty and governing influence with those who engage in 
the arduous and highly responsible work of the gospel ministry. 
Our hope and request is, that you will speedily negative the 
call you have received from the town of Princeton." 

Such were the objections presented to Mr. Clarke by 
a very large majority of the church. Of the validity of 
the first, it is due to that majority to state that the set- 
tlers of New England adopted the congregational sys- 
tem as their ecclesiastical constitution, and early intro- 
duced the " Cambridge Platform." In that Platform 
the following declarations are found : " Officers are to 
be called by such churches whereunto they are to minis- 
ter. Of such moment is the preservation of this power, 
that the churches exercised it in the presence of the 
apostles. The power granted by Christ unto the body 
of the church and brotherhood, is a prerogative or priv- 
ileo-e which the church does exercise, in choosing their 
own officers, whether elders or deacons."* Cotton Ma- 
ther who wrote the early ecclesiastical history of the 

* Cliap. viii. Sec. r>, and Chap. x. Sec. 5. 



RIGHT TO CHOOSE PASTORS. 117 

congregationalists, quotes the following conclusions ex- 
pressive of the sentiments of an Assembly of Congre- 
gational ministers who were convened at Cambridge, in 
the early days of our country . '' A body of Christians 
associated for all the ordinances of the gospel, are a 
church of our glorious Lord which have among other 
precious privileges, a right from Ilim to choose their own 
pastors. The churches which have recovered this right 
from the oppression of man, under which many churches 
of the reformation are to this day groaning, ought XoTcecp 
the precepts and the favors of the Lord, and not easily part 
with what he has given them. To introduce a practice 
in the choice of a pastor \\\\\c\i being followed, may soon 
bring a pastor to be chosen for a church, which few yea 
noneohhe. church have voted for, would be to betray and 
even destroy a most valuable right that such a society has 
a claim unto; and many evil consequences are to be ex- 
pected from it." To these quotations Mr. Mather adds, 
this pertinent remark, — '* 'Tis very certain, that the 
right of a church to choose its oion pastor was recognized 
and exercised in ail the times of primitive Christianity ; 
yea 'twas one of the last things that the man of sin 
ravished from the people of God. The taking away of 
this privilege from the people, is by Calvin justly called 
impia spoUatio, a spoil impiously committed on the 
church of God."* 

We add one extract more from the Result of an Ec- 
clesiastical Council at Sandwich, relative to the usages 
of the early New-England Churches: — " It is a truth of 
sufficient importance to be repeated, and too clear to be 
contested, that the church is a distinct body, independent 
of the parish for its existence and for the exercise of its 

Ratio Di^icipline, pp. IG, ]7. 26. 
11 



118 EIGHT OF THE CHURCH. 

rights. Churches are of divine institution, and subject 
to the laws of Christ; parishes are of human establish- 
ment, and subject to human laws. Among the inherent 
and essential rights of a church, the right of electing its 
own pastor is one of the last to be surrendered. By the 
same divine authority by which churches are instituted, 
it is ordained that they should have pastors. The sa- 
cred pastoral office is not of man, but of God. There is 
evidence most authentic and abundant, that in the primi- 
tive times, the right of churches to elect their own pas- 
tors was universally exercised and held most sacred ; 
and as emphatically said by one of the fathers of New- 
England, ' it was one of the last things that the Man of 
Sin, ravished from the people of God/ This right is 
distinctly asserted by the Platform of our churches, 
which for a long course of years has had the sanction of 
our legislative and judicial authorities; and from the 
earliest periods of our history it has been exercised 
throughout New-England, with very few exceptions and 
very little interruption."* 

It is true that the usages of the church varied some- 
what at different periods. Under the Colonial govern" 
ment the election of a gospel minister was exclusively 
with the church, and none, but members were permitted 
to exercise *' the right of suffrage in any important coH' 
cern." Under the Provir^cial government, the congre- 
gation were admitted to a concurrent vote in the settle- 
ment of a minister, — the right of the church to proceed 
and elect their own pastor being preserved inviolate. 
Under the constitution and laws of the commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, the rights of the town or congregation 
were enlarged and those of the church somewhat iva,-^ 

* Panoplist, vol, xiii. pp. 277,278. 



MR. Clarke's reply. 119 

paired ; but still the right of the church to elect its own 
minister was not taken away. '* The mode of settling 
ministers," said the venerable Judge Sedgwick, " has 
continued in every respect the same, since the establish- 
ment of the constitution as it was before." The law 
indeed gave a town or parish a civil right to elect their 
own minister ; but when chosen, he was a mere civil 
officer or teacher, and not a minister of the gospel. 

Concerning the second objection in the remonstrance 
of the church to the settlement of Mr. Clarke, we need 
not remark. The fact that he preached a doctrine, es- 
sentially differing from that which, in their view, was 
revealed in the Holy Scriptures, was sufficient to author- 
ize them in their refusal to receive him as their pastor.* 

As might be expected from a candidate, for the im- 
portant work of the gospel ministry, on receiving such a 
remonstrance from the church, Mr. Clarke negatived the 
call of the town, on the 30th of September. The follow- 
ing is an extract from his letter declining said invitation; 
— " The first reason I have to offer for not complying 
with your invitation is that there appears to be thai 
want of unanimity and harmony in your proceedings 
which are desirable and necessary in the settlement of a 
minister, I do not feel willing to settle under so great 
an opposition when compared with the number in my 
favor. Had I any reason to suppose that in case I should 
settle with you, most of those who are now opposed to 
me would attend upon my religious instructions, treat 
me with friendship and christian love and strive to pro- 
mote the union and welfare of the Town, this objection 



* By a vote of thecherch Thursday, the 20th day of December was set apari 
as a day of public fasting and prayer. Rev. E. Brackwood of Westborougb 
preached on the occasion. 



120 MR. Clarke's reply. 

would be done away ; but from conversation I had with 
some of them, before leaving Princeton and from a re- 
monstrance which has been handed to me from the 
church, I have reason to suppose that most of those who 
are opposed are determined not to receive me as minis- 
ter of the the town or Pastor of the church, and conse- 
quently my life would be rendered unhappy, my useful- 
ness be diminished and the peace of the town in a great 
measure destroyed. This reason, therefore, has with 
me considerable weight. Another reason for my not 
complying with your invitation is because there are so 
many who appear to be indifferent towards me, who do 
not vote at all. I have understood that there are more 
than two hundred voters in town. It appears that only 
one hundred and forty-seven have voted in this case, 
forty-four of whom are opposed ; so that not more than 
one half of the town are really my friends. I have always 
considered that those who did not vote should be counted 
on the side of opposition. It was my request and con- 
stant prayer while I was with you, and it was ray hope, 
that every person would act either for or against me, so 
that I should be left in no doubt respecting the minds of all; 
and could I now be satisfied that,as some have suggested, 
those who did not vote are my friends and really wish 
to have me for their minister, my first objection would 
in a great measure cease ; but so long as so many are 
opposed and so many indifferent I shall feel unwilling to 
settle with you. But my principal objection against 
complying with your invitation is that I conceive the en- 
couragement you offer me is net sufficient. From what 
I can learn respecting the expenses of living the salary 
you offer me without any settlement or any perquisites, 
i? not sufficient to support a minister and raise him above 



SECOND CALL AND REPLY. 121 

pecuniary embarrassment. Should I ever be settled I 
shall wish for a competency and nothing more ; so that 
I may be enabled to pursue my studies and attend to my 
parish duties with profit to myself and people, which 
cannot be done by those who are obliged to attend to 
other employments besides their profession in order to 
iive above embarrassment. I have thus stated my rea- 
sons to you fairly and candidly, and they are of such 
weight with me that I have felt it my duty to answer 
your call in the negative."* 

The friends of Mr. Clarke, not satisfied with what had 
transpired, a town meeting was warned, to be held on 
the 14th day of October, to take into consideration his 
reply. At this meeting a committee was chosen, " to 
■see what further encouragement it would be proper to 
offer Mr. Clarke as an inducement to settle in the work 
of the ministry." This committee reported in addition 
to the before stated salary the sum of four hundred dol- 
IsLYS as a " settlement." At the adjournment, on the 16th 
of the same month, after a protracted debate, the report 
was accepted, and the call renewed, when the vote 
stood — yeas 66, nays 59. 

Mr. Clarke finding the opposition inflexible, answered 
the town negatively a second ti«ie, on the 10th of No- 
vember. We subjoin an extract from his second reply : 
** For this renewed mark of your respect and attach- 
-ment be assured I feel the highest gratitude. But my 
friends I cannot express to you the anxiety I have expe- 
rienced since you renewed your invitation. It having 
been represented to me by many that should I settle 
with you, those who did not vote either for or against 
aae, would undoubtedly unite under my instructions., and 

* Town Records. 
11* 



122 PETITION CIRCULATED. 

that most if not all the opposition would cease, I felt it 
my duty both to you and myself lo return into town and 
satisfy myself on the subject. I have therefore taken 
such measures for the purpose, as wisdom and prudence 
appeared to dictate, and have obtained sufficient knowl- 
edge of the state of the town as to enable me to come to 
a result. Be assured that this result has not been a hasty 
one. In the presence of God lean say that duty and 
conscience have dictated it. I have again concluded to 
answer you in the negative. I have been brought to this 
conclusion from the conviction that I can neither be 
useful or happy as your minister. If the word of those 
who profess to be Christians can be relied on, I am con- 
vinced that the greater part of those who are opposed to 
me are determined not to unite in my settlement or at- 
tend on my religious instructions. I am satisfied too 
that the greater part of those who have not voted, al- 
though they cannot be said to be opposed, are yet indif- 
ferent ; that they cannot be considered as my real friends 
and would for choice rather not have me for their teacher. 
I am satisfied also that some who are my real friends wish 
me not to stay under the present gloomy prospects."* 

On the termination of the second attempt, it seems 
that Mr. Clarke's friends were still dissatisfied. A 
person was appointed to circulate a petition throughout 
the town for another meeting, to see if the town would 
renew their invitation. One hundred and five signatures 
were obtained. We subjoin the conclusion of this peti- 
tion, — ** Fearing the most alarming consequences if we 
do not succeed in inviting and encouraging him to settle 
with us in the Christian ministry, we do earnestly en- 
treat you, once more, as soon as may be, to call a town 

* Town Records. 



CALL OF COUNCIL. 123 

meeting, to see if the town will renew tlieir invitation to 
Mr. Samuel Clarke, to become their Christian minister.'" 
The petition was addressed to the selectmen, and con- 
sequently a nneeting was warned, which convened on 
the 1 1th of February, 1817. A renewal of tlie invitation 
with a request for concurrence on the part of the church, 
resulted — yeas 81, nays 44; but no further pecuniary 
encouragement was offered to the candidate. The 
church, however, by a vote of twenty to six refused con- 
currence, and at the same time requested the town to 
dismiss the idea of settling Mr. Clarke, and to give di- 
rections to their committee to engage some other can- 
didate, in whom it was possible they might all be united 
and live in harmony. 

To these solicitations of the church, the town in turn 
refused to give heed ; but at the adjournment of their 
meeting, on the 21st of February, they voted to refer 
their troubles to an Ecclesiastical Council. With this 
vote the church concurred, doutless in hope of obtaining 
relief. Letters missive, in the name of the church and 
town, were accordingly addressed to the church in Wor- 
cester under the charge of Rev. Dr. Bancroft, the church 
in Shrewsbury under the charge of Rev. Dr. Sumner, 
that in Lancaster under the charge of Rev. Nathaniel 
Thayer, that in Rindge, N. H. under the charge ofDr. 
Payson, and that in Millbury under the charge of Rev. 
Joseph Goffe, — each of which were represented by their 
pastor and delegate. The Council assembled at Prince- 
ton, March 6, 1817, and after taking into consideration 
various communications from the committees of the 
church and town relating to the business on which they 
were assembled, came to the following conclusion : — 

** That by reason of existing difficulties in this church 



124 ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL. 

and town; and a« there is opened by Providence a pros- 
pect of the re-settlement of the Christian ministry, if a 
spirit of mutual condescension and forbearance is in ex- 
ercise ; this Council do, after due deliberation, and in the 
persuasion that it will be more conducive to the restora- 
tion of union than any other means they can devise, of- 
fer for the consideraiion of this church the following ad- 
vice : That on the seventeenth day of the present month, 
the brethren of this church be regularly notified to as- 
semble in church meeting,' that when assembled, tl^e 
the original covenant* of this church, a copy of which 
accompanies the result of this council, and in which an 
alteration will be fonnd,to-conform it to tlie language of 
scripture, be submitted to their consideration. We as- 
sure the members who shall adopt this covenant that we 
will recognize them as the church of Chrish in Prince- 
ton. After taking this step, we recommend to them 
as soon as may be, to submit to their body the question 
of concurrence with the town in the election, of Mr. 
•Samuel Clarke, to be their minister. In case they shall 
concur, and he shall accept their invitation, we recom- 
mend that a joint committee of the church and town be 
authorized to issue letters missive for the purpose of in- 
viting an ordaining council to consummate the proposed 
union." 

Only six of the ten individuals comprising the mutual 
■council supported the " result," while the remaining 
four entered the foUovi^ing "Protest" to the proceedings : 
"We the undersigned, members of the aforesaid coun- 
cil, materially differing in our views and convictions 
from the above Result, and believing the same repug- 

* A new church covenant was substituted during the ministry of Rev. Diu 
Huxdock, fur tlie old .covenant, as narrated in aprevious chapter. 



PROTEST OF THE MINORITY. 125 

nant to what duty requires, feel ourselves bound in the 
i fear of God, to enter our solemn Protest against said 

I Result, for the following reason, viz : 
** 1. Because it recommends an unnecessary and un- 
authorized subversion of the confession of faith and 
form of covenant adopted by this church in circumstan- 
ces peculiarly solemn,* and which appear to us happily 
calculated to maintain the purity of the church in faith 
I and practice. 

I "2. Because said Result appears to us inconsistent 
with the character given by inspiration of the church 
: as a pillar and ground of the truth ; and as an unvvar- 
■ rantable attack on the rights and usages of the New 
I England churches, which have been unifirmly rccog- 
i nized from the infancy of the country to the present day. 
"3. Because said Result exhibits an alarming stretch 
! of ecclesiastical power, which threatens the liberties and 
privileges, and even existence of Congregational church- 
es, by depriving them of the right of choosing their 
own pastors, breaking down their sacred enclosures, and 
subjecting them to the unenlightened guidance of tlie 
world. 

**4. Because, in our view, said Result tends to perpet- 
uate and increase unhappy divisions which exist in this 
church and society, and which might probably Le heal- 
ed by such temperate measures as wisdom and duty ap- 
pear to dictate. 

*' With these views and impressions, we would fondly 
cherish the hope, thai the good sense of the town of 
Princeton will lead them to make a solemn pause, before 
they adopt and pursue a course so apparently fraught 
with evils to themselves and their children after them; 

* In time of a special revival of religion in Princeton in 1810. 



126 PROTEST OF THE MINORITY. 

and that the minority of the church will seriously re- 
flect, and humbly bring the subject to the throne of 
grace, before they depart from their solemn covenant 
engagements to God and their brethren, abandon the 
faith which they professed before many witnesses, and 
surrender themselves into the hands of those who have 
never named the name of Christ. 

" We cannot but deeply sympathize with this precious 
section of the kingdom of our Lord in their present op- 
pressed and gloomy situation, in which we view them as 
suffering in the cause of truth and holiness. We advise 
and exhort them to stand fast in the liberty wherewith 
Christ has made them free ; to bear with patience their 
present trials, and to be much in prayer that God, in his 
mercy, would be pleased to turn their capitvity, and 
cause light to arise upon them in the midst of obscurity. 

" At the same time we recognize them as a true 
church of Christ, and tender them our best wishes and 
friendly counsel and assistance in all matters and things 
conducive to their spiritual prosperity. 

'' With most fervent wishes for the harmony, peace 
and religious welfare of the church and people of 
Princeton, we close this our solemn Protest, which we 
found ourselves in duty bound to offer, and humbly 
commend them to the favor and guidance of the great 
.Head of the church."* 

The original covenant referred to in the Result of the 
Mutual Council, is one that was adopted by the church 
on the 9th day of November, 1767, termed "covenant 
for the admission of members." Rev. Timothy Fuller 
was the pastor of the church in Princeton, at that time, 

* Signed by Rev. Seth Payson, D. D , Rev. Joshph Goffe, Elder Oliver 
Band and E. Brown. 



MR. Clarke's covenant. 127 

and the covenant was used until 1810. That the 
^proposed alteration of phraseology, in order to make the 
covenant conformable " to the language of scripture,'* 
would essentially change the character of the instru- 
ment, and make it as dissimilar to the original cove- 
nant of the church as Unitarianism is unlike Trinita- 
rianism, was the opinion of many at the time. That the 
reader may have the opportunity of comparing the two 
for himself we transcribe the covenant as altered, term^ 
ed Mr. Clarke's covenant, and refer him to page 90 for 
the original : — 

"You declare your firm belief in one infinite and eternal 
God, the Father, of whom are all things, and vve in him, and in 
one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 
You believe that the sacred scriptures are of divine original, 
and contain our whole duty as it relates to practice. 

" You resolve to conform your life to the rules of God's word 
till death, and give up yourself to God the Father as your por- 
tion, to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as your Re- 
deemer, and to the Holy Ghost as your sanctifier, guide and 
comforter. 

"You acknowledge your indispensable obligation to serve 
and glorify God in a sober, holy life, and promise to live in 
obedience to him, v/alking in all his ordinances blameless. 

" You promise, by divine aid to walk with the church in the 
faith and order of the gospel, attending the public worship of 
God, the sacraments of the New Testament, the discipline of 
the church, and all his holy institutions, so long as you may 
be continued in the place. 

" You promise to devote your offspring to God, and to in- 
struct them m the principles and practice of religion ; carefully 
avoiding every appearance of evil and every temptation to sin. 

" This you engage, flying to the blood of the everlasting 
covenant for the pardon of all your sins, and praying that the 
God of Peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, 
that great Shepherd of the sheep would prepare and strengthen 
you to every good work, to do his will, working in you that 
which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to 
whom be glory forever and forever. Amen." 

On the 17th day of March, 1817, the day appointed by 



138 MR. clajike's reply. 1 

the council, the church met at the Town House, and, af- 
ter a'^ candid deliberation," voted, to reject the recom- 
mendation of said council, as an unauthorized and arbi- 
trary infringement upon their privileges and rights. On 
this occasion, 20 voted non-concurrence, 8 to concur, 
and 2 were neuter. On the same day, the town held an 
adjourned meeting, at which they ordered that a copy of 
the result of said council be presented to a committee, 
and that said committee notify Mr. Samuel Clarke of his 
third call to settle with them in gospel ministry, as soon 
as may be. 

Our limits do not permit us to transcribe the third let- 
ter of Mr. Clarke, accepting the invitation of a majority 
of those who voted in the town. We however give an 
extract. Under date of April 6, 1817, he writes : 

" My Brethren, I come to you with the deepest humility, 
sensible of my own insufficiency for so great an undertaking ; 
yet relying on the mercy and assistance of that great and good 
Being, who has hitherto directed my steps, and praying that in 
this trying and important hour he would not forsake, but still 
continue to prosper and bless me, I come breathing nothing but 
love and peace. It is from the conviction that your harmony 
find happiness is to be promoted by having me as your minister, 
that I have concluded to accept your call. I have been satisfied, 
from the disposition you discovered towards me after I gave my 
last answer, and from your recent conduct and zeal, that you 
are really and firmly attached to me, and that this attachment 
and affection will be continued so long as I shall be in any de- 
gree worthy of them. It is my desire, therefore, to come to you 
in the fulness of the Gospel of peace, ardently praying that I 
may be made an instrument of promoting your peace and joy m 
Heaven. 

"Yet, my brethren, while I rejoice in the belief that I shall 
be happy and useful among you, I do most sincerely lament that 
I have not been so fortunate as to effect a greater degree of 
unanimity than exists in the church and town. It is an unpleas- 
ant thing for me to settle with you contrary to the wishes of any 
individual in this place. Nevertheless, from the acquaintance I 
haye with those opposed to my settlement, from the civilty and 



129 



respect with which I have ever been personally treated by them, 
I am fully satisfied that although they cannot at present regard 
me with favor as a preacher, yet they will ever regard me with 
that friendship and charity which are due from man toman, and 
from Christian to Christian, and that ihey will never do any 
thing designedly to injure my character, or my feelings. I 
believe that I can say from the heart, that 1 feel towards them 
the love and affection of a Christian ; that they have, and always 
will have my prayers and best wishes, and that I shall at all 
times be ready to extend to them the hand of fellowship, of 
consolation and of Christian love. 

" From your past expressions of kindness and affection I feel 
assured, my Christian friends, that they will be continued to 
me ; that in all seasons of want, of distress, of affliction and trial, 
you will be ready to assist, advise, and comfort me ; that I shall 
always have your prayers, that I may be faithful to you and 
myself, and that you will do all in your power to strengthen my 
hands, and encourage my heart. You will I trust always find 
me ready to do every thing in yonr beiialf which belongs to me 
as a Christian minister and a man. Let it then be our united 
prayer to the throne of grace, that should our contemplated 
union be consummated, it may be productive of the happiest 
consequences both as it regards our present and eternal peace, 
that we may be enabled to walk together in the exercise of all 
the mild and peaceful graces of our holy religion. Let us be 
much in prayer to God for light and direction. And O, may it 
be our happiness to be mutual sources of improvement and com- 
fort in this life and of joy and rejoicing in the day of the Lord 
Jesus.'' 

Mr. Clarke was ordained at Princeton, June 18, 1817. 

The sermon on this occasion was preached by Rev. Dr. 

Pierce of Brookline. 

12 



ISO COUNCIL CALLED. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Call of Council by the Church— Result— Organization of the Presbyterian 
Church— Ruling Elders— Call to Mr. Bond— Accessions to the Church 
and Congregation— New Meeting House— Seizure of Property to pay 
Ministerial Rates— Seizure of the body— Mr. John H. Brooks carried to 
Jail— Suit, Samuel Brooks vs. Town— Mutual Settlement of the contro- 
versy—Settlement of Mr. Phillips— Origin of Division — Mr, Clarke's dis- 
mission—Biographical Notice— Proposal for a Union— First Parish, and 
Mr. Cowles' settlement and dismission. 

The opposition manifested to the call of Mr. Clarke 
grew stronger after his ordination, and many left the 
usual place of worship. Previous to that event however, 
the church determined to call an Ecclesiastical Council 
to give them advice at this important crisis. Letters 
missive, in the name of the church, were accordingly 
addressed to five churches to advise in the case, by vir- 
tue of which the Council assembled at Princeton on the 
29th of April, 1817, at the house of Caleb Mirick, Esq. 
It consisted of Rev. Dr. Payson of Rindge, N. H., Rev. 
Dr. Crane of Northbridge, Rev. Dr. Snell of Brookfield, 
Rev. Joseph Goffe of Millbury and Rev. Gaius Conant of 
Paxton, — each clergyman being also accompanied by a 
delegate. After the organization of said Council the 
subscribers to the covenant which was recommended by 
the former Ecclesiastical. Council, who formed the mi- 
nority of the church, together with others, were inform- 
ed that the council was proceeding to business; and 
that they were ready to receive any communications 
they were disposed to make. Their doings will be best 
ascertained from the accompanying result. 

" Received several communications from the committee of the 
church, relating to the repeated invitations given by the town 
to Mr. Samuel Clarke to be their minister, — the doings of an 
Ecclesiastical council lately convened for the purpose of giving 
their advice upon the subject of their future proceedings ^ and 



RESULT OF COUNCIL. 131 



the conscientious scruples of the church in complying with 
their advice, and in setting under the ministry of Mr. Clarke in 
case he should be established as a teacher in the town, on ac- 
count of his religious opinions, in some essential particulars so 
diverse from their own, so opposite to the covenant they had 
adopted and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having also had a 
friendly interview with Mr. Clarke, in which he frankly avowed 
his religious opinions, on which the church founded their objec- 
tions to him as their pastor and teacher, and of which they ap- 
pear to have formed correct conceptions. Whereupon we 
would express our sympathetic feelings for the church in 
Princeton, with them deeply deplore their unhappy state, and 
lament the assumed power of the late Ecclesiastical Council, 
so unprecedented in our country and so unauthorized by the 
Gospel — a power that threatens the liberties, the privileges and 
'the very existence of our churches which are founded upon the 
pillars of truth; by depriving them of their inalienable rights, 
subverting their confessions of faith and their forms of cove- 
nant. We commend our brethren for the firm stand they have 
made in the defence of the truth once delivered to the saints; 
so honorable to them as professed Christians. Under all the 
severe trials this measure may occasion them, a conscious love 
to the Gospel, the approbation of their own minds and their 
Christian brethren, and above all the approbation and gracious 
presence of God will be an ample support — a rich reward. In 
these trying circumstances we would give them the following 
advice : 

" 1. That they give themselves unto prayer for the direction 
and holy keeping of the great Head of the church, that they may 
be guided into the paths of wisdom and Christian prudence, that 
they may meekly and patiently endure every trial to which, in 
Providence, they are subjected, as the friends of truth, and re- 
main united together in love as the humble followers of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

" 2. That they take all legal and proper measures to form 
themselves together with such inhabitants of the town as may 
choose to unite with them into a distinct and separate religious 
society, for the quiet enjoyment of Christian ordinances, and 
the instructions of an evangelical ministry, cleaving to their ar- 
ticles of faith and the holy covenant into which they have most 
solemnly entered, and from which their brethren so unwarranta- 
bly departed. 

"And now, brethren, we acknowledge you as the Church of 
Christ in Princeton, cordially recommend you to the fellowship 
of all Christian Churches in our connection, and pledge our af- 
fectionate counsel, influence and co-operation for your support 



132 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

and encouragement, and for your furtherance in the faith of the 
Gospel. Walk in the meekness of wisdom toward those that 
are otherwise minded and convince them by a " uniform" Chris- 
tian deportment that conscience, not prejudice, a zeal for the 
truth and not unyielding- perverseness, that the fear of God, and 
love to our Lord Jesus Christ, and not a spirit of discord, have 
prevented you from a coalescence with your brethren. Above 
all, brethren, we commend you to God and to the word of his 
grace, that he would take you into his merciful keeping, shed 
upon you the dew of his grace, and enable you to keep the unity 
of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Behold, O God, look down 
and visit this vine."* 

Agreeable to the advice of the Council, the Church 
proceeded forthwith to take the appropriate steps to form 
thennselves into a society for the enjoyment of Christian 
ordinances, and the instruction of an evangelical minis- 
try. A committeet was chosen on the 6th of June to 
confer with Rev. Mr. Merriam, a Presbyterian minister, 
to ascertain what measures were necessary to be taken 
to become united with, and also to come under the regu- 
lations and government of the Presbyterian Church in 
the United States. On the 18th day of September, 
1818, it was unanimously voted by the Church, to adopt 
the Presbyterian Articles of Faith and discipline, and 
become connected with the Newburyport Presbyte- 
ry. This course of the Church was considered a bold 
innovation, conflicting with the prejudices, aiid also 
violating the usages of the times. The erection of a 
poll parish, bringing together those of similar opinions, 
without regard to local habitation, almost unprecedented 
beyond the metropolis, was strenuously resisted. The 
founders of the society grasped firmly, and thereby se- 
cured those rights which, after the lapse of time, have 
been accorded as common privileges. Their meetings 

* Unanimously adopted by the Council. 
fDea. Parker,— substitute, Jonas Brooks, Esq. 



ACCESSION OF MEMBERS, 133 

were held for some time in one of the schoolhouses, the 
Selectmen refusing them the use of the Town House. 

Dea. Ebenezer Parker, Dea. Samuel Stratton, Dea. 
Israel Howe, Jonas Brooks, Esq., Caleb Mirick, and 
Thomas Wilder, were elected Ruling Elders, and were 
ordained on the 25th of October by Dr. Dana from New- 
buryport The society being thus organized on the 25th 
of December invited Rev. Alvan Bond, of Andover, to 
settle with them in the work of the gospel ministry. 

To this invitation, Mr. Bond gave a negative reply, 
alleging that he came to this result in view of the state 
of his health, and also of his intentions to engage in the 
work of the ministry, in a foreign mission. 

Though destitute of a settled minister, the Church 
continued to meet every Sabbath for religious worship. 
They were supplied with preaching generally by some 
of the clergymen from the neighboring towns; and in 
the space of little more than two years the Lord so great- 
ly blessed their efforts, that upwards of forty individuals 
became identified with the church. At length they 
found themselves straightened for room on account of 
the great accessions to their congregation, until, in 1819, 
necessity compelled the erection of a house of worship. 
This house was located near the old burying ground, a 
little north-west from the old town-house. The dedica- 
cation sermon was preached by Dr. Dana of Newbury- 
port. 

The boundaries of the first parish, co-extensive with 
those of the town, embraced the estates of the members 
of the Presbyterian society, and while they contributed 
to the support of the institutions of their own church and 
teachers, they were also compelled to pay ministerial 
rates in the same manner as before the separation- This 
12* 



134 MINISTERIAL RATES, 

double taxation was peculiarly onerous. Hence, at a 
town meeting held Oct. 16, 1818, they made an appeal lo 
the justice of their fellow townsmen, for relief from a tax 
inconsistent with their religious privileges ; but without 
avail. On their refusal to pay the ministerial rates assessed 
against them, for the support of Rev. Mr.C larke, their 
cattle and other property was seized and sacrificed under 
the hammer of the auctioneer. A second ineffectual ap- 
peal to the town for relief from this taxation, was made. 
Upon refusing to pay their ministerial rates, subsequently, 
their persons were seized by the constable, who, agree- 
able to his instructions, made his way with them towards 
the County jail. With one exception, however, they 
came to the conclusion before arriving at the place of 
destination, to pay their ministerial assessments. Mr. 
John H. Brooks was lodged in ihe jail at Worcester, 
who, after " resting quietly" for a time paid his rates and 
returned to his family in Princeton. 

The history of these transactions has become matter 
of judicial record ; a suit having been commenced in 
1819 by Capt. Samuel Brooks, in behalf of the Presby- 
terian society to recover the amount of taxes paid by 
them for the support of the ministry and for parochial 
purposes in the town subsequent to the formation of said 
society. This matter, however, was finally taken out 
of court, and amicably adjusted by the adoption of the 
report of a committee appointed to adjust the matter, as 
follows : 

" The committee appointed to adjust and compro- 
mise the present litigation between the town, by a suit 
commenced by Capt. Samuel Brooks against the asses- 
sors of said town, and to examine all matters in contro- 
versy between the said town and the Presbyterian so- 



LITIGATION MUTUAL SETTLEMENT. 135 

ciety or act any thing relative thereto, now respectfully 
report : 

" That having fully and faithfully considered the sub- 
ject of the unfortunate controversy growing out of the 
assessment of taxes for the support of the ministry and 
for parochial purposes in the town of Princeton, since 
the formation of the Presbyterian Society, by a voluntary 
association of individuals for that purpose in said town — 
they are of opinion ; that as the assessment of taxes upon 
the members of said Presbyterian Society for the year 
1818 is of doubtful legality, and it is desirable that the 
controversy to which the said assessment has, and may 
hereafter give rise, should be amicably and speedily 
settled : the town should direct, that the assessors crive 
their orders of abatement in favor of all those members 
of said Presbyterian Society who were assessed in the 
tax of 1818 for the amount of the ministerial tax of that 
year, to which they were respectively assessed ; and 
that the Selectmen of said town of Princeton draw their 
orders upon the Treasury to be paid out of the monies 
raised for the support of the ministry in favor of all the 
members of said society, who were assessed for the year 
aforesaid to the amount of said assessments together, with 
the amount of cost to which they were subjected in the 
collection thereof, all agreeably to the schedule and ex- 
hibit herewith reported, and that the said members of 
said Presbyterian Society thereupon release and dis- 
charge all claim and demand of action, or right of action 
ao-ainst said town, the assessors and collector of taxes 
therein, for the year 1818, by reason of all such assess- 
ments and any collections thereof as aforesaid. That 
the committee do also recommend to said town and So- 
ciety mutually to pass votes that in consideration of the 



136 REV. ALONZO PHILLIPS. 

foregoing terms, and upon acceptance thereof, all de- 
mands, claims and controversies, which have arisen or 
might arise between the said town and its officers, on 
the one hand, and the Society and its members, on the 
other, in any wise resulting from the assessments of mon- 
ies for ministerial or parochial purposes, and the appro- 
priation of monies thereto previous to this time be re- 
leased and wholly discharged." [Here comes in the 
names of sixty one different individuals, with the enume- 
ration of ministerial rates assessed for 1818, amounting, 
in the aggregate to S131 00.] " To these sums are to 
be added the amount of surplus monies arising from the 
sales of property exceeding the sums of taxes respective- 
ly, for the collection of which property was sold, with 
interest thereon, together with the tax and the cost in 
the action of Capt. Brooks, and the fees of the collector 
when paid."* 

On the 20th day of March, 1820, the Presbyterian 
Church voted unanimously to give Rev. Alonzo Phillips, 
who had been for some time previous supplying theii: 
pulpit, an invitation to settle with them as their pastor. 
To this call Mr. Phillips returned the following reply, 
which is found recorded in the church records, without 
address or signature : 

"The office "of the Christian Minister is doubtless the most 
important and the most responsible with which man can be in- 
vested. He receives his commission from God, and is account^ 
able to him for the manner in which he discharges it. His 
business lies with immortal beings ; its design is to persuade 
them to become good ; if it fails of this, its design is lost and 
worse than lost. Obviously then, he who thinks of taking this 
office upon himself ought not to assume it, till he has made it 

* Signed by Jonas Hartwell, David Rice, and Charles Mirick, town's com- 
mittee, and Samuel Brooks, Azer Maynard, and Jonas Brooks, Esq., committee 
of the Presbyterian Society. 



MR. Phillips' reply. 137 



the subject of the most serious contemplation and fervent pray- 
er. This remark is applicable to his decision concerning the 
particular part of his Lord's vineyard, in which it his duty to 
labor. The first, and indeed the only question, which oupht to 
govern his decision is — where can I do the most good ? In 
deciding this question, several things must be taken into con- 
sideration: such as the ability and willingness of a people to 
give him support, which will enable him to devote himself 
wholly to the work peculiar to his office ; the part of the world 
or particular place in which, at a time like the present, he is 
most needed ; his ability to sustain the labors and perform the 
duties which will devolve upon him in a particular place ; the 
feelings and unanimity of the people, who invite him to settle 
with them. These considerations I have endeavored to examine 
with impartiality in forming the decision now to be made pub- 
lic. 

" In regard to the first of these, the support, I can only say, that 
on the part of the society there is certainly at present a very pleas- 
ing willingness; as to the ability they are the only proper judges. 
Whether the sum proposed be adequate to a support in my case, 
time must determine ; for on this subject I am at present wholly 
inexperienced. All I wish for is a support which with prudence 
and economy, will enable me to live in a manner which you 
brethren, would call respectable ; which will enable me to unite 
with my brethren in the ministry in aiding the religious and 
benevolent plans which distinguish the present period of the 
church. In regard to the second thing to be considered — the 
particular place to which duty calls, this a much more difficult 
question to decide. When I have looked at the smallness of 
this society, and at their ability to live a while longer without a 
settled minister, I have thought it my duty to go to some other 
place. But when I have contemplated the stand they have ta- 
ken, and its bearings, the everlasting importance of the truths 
they wish to support, the connexion of those truths with vital 
religion and the salvation of men, I cannot doubt. When I look 
at this church, consider what it has sustained and how it has 
been blessed, I am fully satisfied, that it is a real branch of the 
kingdom of Christ, and a branch too, which is as precious to 
him as any other branch of his kingdom. Why then should it 
not be as precious to liis ministers ? Of the next thing to be 
considered — the ability of a man to sustain the labors and dis- 
charge the duties of a particular place, in the present case others 
are judges ; if they have erred time will rectify the mistake. In 
regard to the last thing to be considered — the feelings and una- 
nimity of the people, they are all any man could wish for, to 
afford him happiness and give him influence. 



138 ORIGIN OF DIVISION. 

" With these things before me, what could I do, but resolve 
to engage in the same cause with you — cast my lot with yours, 
to live or die with you ? What could I do but answer your in- 
vitation in the affirmative? With these things before me / do 
answer in the affirmative. May the Head of the church approve 
the answer, and to his name be glory forever. Amen." 

Mr. Phillips' ordination took place on the 7th of June, 
1820. The exercises were, — Introductory prayer, by 
Rev. Mr. Easton ; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Leonard Woods, 
of Andover; ordaining prayer by Rev. Mr. Gregor ; 
right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Alvan Bond; charge 
by Rev. Dr. Dana of Newburyport; concluding prayer 
by Rev. Mr. Parker. 

We have now narrated the plain facts in the case, 
which led to the religious division in the parent parish. 
That the church in Princeton was a regular Congrega- 
tional church, founded upon the common faith and prac- 
tice of the New-England churchs in general, none can 
dispute. And, as it appears from its history, its mem- 
bers had lived in peace for many years, and had been 
blessed and prospered. No uncommon symptoms of 
disaffection appeared in reference to the doctrines of said 
church, either in the church or congregation, until the 
pulpit became vacant by the dismission of Rev. Dr. Mur- 
dock, and other doctrines than the people had been ac- 
customed to hear, were preached among them. At that 
period divisions and controversies began to manifest 
themselves. From what source they originated is plain 
to be seen ; and that the divisions consequent upon the 
settlement of Rev. Mr. Clarke, have not been remedied 
by the lapse of years, we shall see in the sequel. The 
town was now for the first time divided into two religious 
societies, each having a minister of their own choice.* 

* Previous to this time there were several individuals of the Baptist denomi- 
nation but no organized society existed in tcwn until subsequent to this period. 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. 139 

That under Mr. Clarke was in full fellowship with the 
Unitarian Congregational Societies. The one under 
Mr. Phillips maintained the confession of faith and dis- 
cipline of the Presbyterian Church until 1830, when, on 
account of the great inconvenience and expense, par- 
ticularly in attending the meetings of the Presbytery, 
they were at their request dismissed from that body, and 
it was unanimously voted to adopt the Congregational 
form of government. At the same time they also adopt- 
ed the covenant and articles of faith, used by the church 
at the time of Mr. Murdoch's dismission.* 

Hev. Mr. Clarke continued to preach in Princeton 
; until 1832, when, owing to ill healthf he requested his 
society to unite with him in the call of a mutual council 
to advise as to the dissolution of his ministerial relation. 
The society complying with this request, a council was 
convened at Lamb's Hotel, in Princeton, on the 5th day 
of June, 1832. And, agreeably to the advice of said 
council, Mr. Clarke was dismissed on the 18th of the 
same month. 

Rev. Samuel Clarke is a native of New Boston, N. H, 
He graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1812, at the age 
of 21 years, and subsequently pursued his theological 
studies under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Channing of Bos- 
ton. After leaving his official station in Princeton, he 
accepted an invitation to become pastor of the First 
Congregational Society^ in Uxbridge, and was installed 
January 9th, 1833. He still resides in Uxbridge. 

At the meeting for the dismissal of Mr. Clarke, on the 
2lst of May, 1832, either from fear that they would be 

* See chap. VII, in this work. 

t It appears that Mr. Clarke soon recovered his health which had been for 
'• fouryears on the decline" and he settled in Uxbridge, Jan. 1833. 
J Said society is professedly Unitarian. 



140 PROPOSAL FOR UNION. 

unable to sustain their Society as a distinct body without 
assistance, or from some other cause, the Congregation- 
al Society passed the following vote : — 

"On motion, voted that the committee to supply the 
pulpit be authorized and instructed to wait on the stand- 
ing or prudential committee of the Evangelical Orthodox 
Society, and request the committee of that society to 
call a meeting of said society, as soon as may be, to as- 
certain whether said society feel disposed to unite with 
the Congregational Society in settling a minister, and if 
so to choose a committee consisting of an equal number 
chosen by the Congregational Society, to co-operate 
with them in inviting a candidate to preach to both so- 
cieties, or take such other measures as said committee 
and the committee of said Evangelical Orthodox Society 
may deem expedient to effect a union of said societies." 

This vote was communicated to the Evangelical Or- 
thodox Society, and it led to the following action : — 

"At a meeting of the Evangelical Congregational 
Society held at their meeting-house, on Monday, the 4th 
day of June inst., to take into consideration the request 
of the Congregational Society, by their committee ; to 
see if the Evangelical Congregational Society will unite 
with that society in settling a minister over both socie- 
ties, after due deliberation passed the following vote, to 
wit :■ — 

"On motion, voted, that we cannot comply with said 
request for two reasons ; first we have a minister whom 
we respect and under whose ministry we are united and 
happy. Second, we do not feel authorized to act on the 
subject as proposed, because we feel that it is proper 
and right that the church should have the first move in 
all measures preparatory to the settlement of a pastor." 



FIRST PARISH, 141 

At this time, it is doubtless true that a large portion 
of the Congregational Society were not Orthodox in 
sentiment, and that there was a majority who were op- 
posed to the settlement of aCalvinistic pastor. Indeed, 
this very question was submitted to the society, where- 
upon it was ascertained that there were seventeen in fa- 
vor of Calvinistic preaching, ten in favor of Universal- 
ist, six in favor of Unitarian, and but two in favor of 
Orthodox.* After the secession of some thirty individ- 
uals, however, which took place about this time, who 
were organized into a Universalist Society.t, a majority 
of the members that then remained invited a Calvinistic 
preacher, in the person of Rev. John P. Cowles, to become 
their pastor. A salary of $500 was offered. Mr. Cowles 
having accepted this invitation, the ordination took place 
July 19, 1833. The introductory prayer was by the 
Rev. H. Winslow of Boston ; sermon by Rev. Mr. Lins- 
iey, of Park-street church, Boston; consecrating prayer 
by Rev. Dr. James Murdock of New Haven, Conn. ; 
charge by Rev. Mr. Mann, of Westminster ; exhortation 
to the church and people by Rev. Mr, Clark of Rutland , 
address and right hand of fellowship by Rev. A, E. 
Phelps of Boston ; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Allen 
of Shrewsbury. 

December 23, 1833, the Congregationalist society was 
organized as the first parish in Princeton. From this 
time it commenced its legal existence, distinct from the 
municipal corporation, and the support of worship ceased 
to be provided for by the inhabitants in their general 
meetmgs. 



* See Town Records, vol. iv. 

t The Universalists had preaching at the "Town House," one third of tie 
iBabbatbs, for some time, but finally disbanded. 

13 



142 



Mr. Cowles continued pastor of the church until Oct. 
5, 1834, when at the instance of the following letter, he 
was dismissed. 

" To the Church and Society of the First Parish in 
Princeton. 

" Brethren and Friends, — I have to request your consent to 
the dissolution of my relation to you as your Pastor and Min- 
ister. It is very plain that either my preaching or my conduct, 
or both, have given sufiicient dissatisfaction to render this step 
desirable, both for me and you, and sooner or later, indispensa- 
ble. My fixed choice is, not to have it delayed, for I am per- 
fectly satisfied that no change in me, or in my conduct, or in my 
preaching, which my principles would allow me to make, will 
materially alter the present aspect of things. You will be only 
doing me justice if you think of my principles in these respects 
as entirely immutable. It is therefore proper and desirable, that 
our relation as pastor and people should cease. Your consent 
to this step I have to request. Your minister's constant prayer 
is and will be that God would so order his Providence towards 
you and so guide and control your own feeJings and cjTirfwdand 
those of others, as to secure to you still, in some ivay, a gospel 
faithfully and successfully preached. John P. Cowles. 

Princeton, Oct. 5, 1834." 



CHAPTER X. 

Farther Measures for a Union— Call of a Council— Result— Proceeding upon 
it — Objections — Votes of Fiist Parish — Votes of Evang:elical Society — 
Action of Congregational Church — Doings of the Council's Committee — 
Societies unite— Mr. Phillips at the House of the First Parish— His return 
to his former place of labor— Church Meetings. 

After the dismission of Rev. Mr. Cowles, the Con- 
gregational Society renewed their proposals for a union 
with the Evangelical Congregational Society. This was 
done by the following communication : 

" To the Evangelical Congregational Church in PrincC' 
ton, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Phillips. 
" Rev. and Beloved, — The undersigned, having been appointed 



MEASURES FOR UNION. 143 



a Committee by the Congregational Church, [for the purpose of 
making' a communication to your Church, would respectfully lay 
before you the doings of the said Congreg-ational Church, and 
the advice of an Ecclesiastical Council, lately convened in this 
place. 

" At a meeting of the Congregational Church, Oct. 26, 1834, 
a Committee was appointed to ask the advice of the Ecclesias- 
tical Council, which was then to be convened on tlie 28th of 
said month, for the dismission of Rev. John P. Cowles, in relation 
to what course it was the duty of said Church to pursue, and 
what measures to adopt, under the existing circumstances of the 
religious affairs of this place. 

" The said Committee attended to the duty of the appoint- 
ment and received from said Council the follo^ving result : — - 

' The advice of this Council having been asked by the Con- 
gregational Church, in regard to the course they should take, 
provided Mr. Cowles be dismissed, the Council advise to the 
following measure : that said Church propose to the Evangeli- 
■ cal Congregational Church to unite in choosing a Mutual Or- 
thodox Council to settle the following points : 

' 1st. Shall a union be elTected between the two Churches ? 

■*2d. On what ground shall such union be effected ? 

I Samuel Gay, Moderator. 

Cyrus Mann, Scribe J 
^ At a meeting of the Church, Oct. 29th, the foregoing result 
and advice of Council was laid before the said Church, and 
accepted ; and Deacon Charles Russell and Caleb Dana, and 
Brother Charles B. Temple, were appointed a Committee to 
present to the Evangelical Church a copy of the advice of said 
Council, and to adopt measures to carry the same into effect. 

•'Agreeably to the advice of said Council, and in full accord- 
ance with our own views and feelings, we do now, in behalf of 
the Congregational Church, proprcse to unite with your Church 
in inviting a Mutual Orthodox Council for the purposes men- 
tioned in the result of said Council. 

" In making this request, we wish to add, that v/e, in common, 
doubtless witli you, regard it as exceedingly desirable, for the 
interests of religion in this place, that all those in these two 
Churches, who coincide in their views of the doctrines and du- 
ties of the Gospel, and give credible evidence of tJjeir being the 
children of God, should be united in one Church, and under one 
pastor. We do not regard a union as desirable except on such 
conditions, and on such grounds, as shall ensure to you and to 
us a prospect cf purity as well as peace and harmony. Under 
such conditions we do desire it, for the sake of that cause which 
we equally profess to love. We deeply lament the division 



144 CALL OF COUNCIL. 

which has long existed in this town, and our prayer to God \a 
that it may soon be terminated in that way and in thay way 
only which will be for his glory and for the spiritual benefit of 
his chosen people. And that this desirable end may be effec- 
ted, we desire on our part, to remove every reasonable objection. 
We propose to unite with you in calling a Mutual Coun3il, be- 
cause we do believe that there are questions arising out of the 
character and relations of these churches, which affect so vitally 
the best interests of the people of this place, as well as the 
Church of Christ, that neither ot these Churches is at liberty to 
disregard them. 

" Should your Church accede to this proposition and request, 
we trust there would be no disagreement in selecting a Mutual 
Council, of approved Orthodox Ministers in this Commonwealth, 
which would be entirely satisfactory to both Churches. We 
wish to be distinctly understood that we are willing to submit 
the whole case, in all its parts, to the decision of such a Council. 
" And now Christian Brethren, we respectfully ask you to 
give this subject, as we trust you will, your serious and prayer- 
ful consideration. And may the great Head of the Chuich, 
vouchsafe to you and to us his grace, guidance and direction, 
and lead us in the path of duty, to the exercise of those Chris- 
tian feelings and to the adoption of such measures as shall re- 
dound to his glory and the spiritual and everlasting good of hia 
people. 

Yours, with Christian affection, 

Charles Russell, j) 
Caleb Dana, > Committee, 

Charles B. Temple." _) 

At a meeting of the Evangelical Congregational 
Church, Nov. 11, to hear the above communication, and 
to act thereon, after a protracted discussion, it was voted 
to appoint a committee, whose duty it should be, in the 
first place, to endeavor to convince the committee, who 
presented said communication, that such a Council as 
proposed was entirely unnecessary, as the church were 
ready to receive all such persons as coincided with them 
in their " views of the doctrines and duties of the Gos- 
pel," and that " gave credible evidence of piety," with- 
out the advice of a council ; and secondly, if they should 
not succeed in convincing them, then, as a matter of pa- 



RESULT OF COUNCIL. 145 

cification, to agree with them to call a Council. After 
attending to the duty assigned them, said committee re- 
lOYteA that nothing but a Council would be satisfactory. 
.Accordingly the measure was agreed to, and a Council 
:alled, consisting of the Church of Christ in North Brook- 
leld, under the charge of Eev. Dr. Snell; the Congrega- 
:ional church in Templeton, under Rev. Samuel P. Bates ; 
he church in Westminster, under Rev. Cyrus Mann ; 
he church in Harvard, under Rev. George Fisher ; the 
church in Bolton, under Rev. John W. Chickering; the 
Calvanist church in Worcester, under Rev. John S. C. 
4.bbott, and the church in Holden, under Rev. Willard 
?. Paine, — each of these churches being represented by 
)astor and delegate. 

The Council convened at the house of John Brooks, 
i^sq., Dec. 17, 1834. After receiving various commu* 
lications from the committees of the two churches, relat- 
ing to the subject, and desirableness of a union of said 
churches, they came to the following result .: 

"The Council deems the union of the two churches exceod- 
ngly desirable, both as it regards the peace of the town, and 
he prosperity of relio-ion. The Council is also very much grat- 
fied with the truly Christian spirit, manifested in the communi- 
ation made by the Committee of the Church lately under the 
are of the Rev. Mr. Cowles, and with their candor and raode- 
ation ; and have full confidence in the purity of the motives 
i^hich led them to make an elFort for a reconciliation. Anima- 
ed by these feelings we sincerely hope that the suggestions 
i'hich may be made by the Council, and the terms proposed, 
i^ill be acceptable to both parties, and promotive of mutual 
dification. The Council are aware of difficulties in the way, 
lUt do not feel that they are insurmountable. Cfiristians are 
ften called upon to make sacrifices, but if they are sacrifices of 
eelinof and not of principle, they ought to be made. 
, '' The Council is of opinion, that the whole subject is involved 
,ti two questions. 

*" 1. The first question respects the possibility of a union of 

13* 



146 RESULT OF COUNCIL. 



the two Churches which shall promote the cause of truth, purit 
and peace. 

" The Council is of the opinion that the Orthodox portion of 
the Church lately under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Cowles, 
and of the Church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Piiillips, 
may become one united and happy Church. And the plan of 
union the Council would recommend is this, viz : that the Rev. 
Messrs. Bates ot Templeton, Mann of Westminster, and Paine 
of Holden, be a Committee to satisfy themselves, at a proper 
time and duly notified, of the personal piety of such members 
of the first named Church as desire the union, and recommend 
them to the other Church by letter ; and that by virtue of this 
letter of recommendation, they become embodied with the 
Church now under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Phillips. 

" 2. The second question has suggested itself to our minds 
in a form like the following : Is there a sufficient degree of har- 
mony in the views of those two parties, to authorize the hope 
that they may unite in listening to, and supporting, sound Evan- 
gelical ministrations ? 

"This question we hope we are not mistaken in answering 
likewise in the affirmative, As to the mode of union, we would 
recommend that the Society connected with Mr. Phillip's 
Church, should unite with the other, and in one united Church 
and Society, sustain and enjoy the ordinances and privileges of 
the Gospel. 

" 3. The third and only remaining question respects the pas- 
toral and ministerial relations of the proposed united Church 
and Society. The only difficulty on this point, arises from the 
fact that the two Churches and Societies, as they now exist, 
are not on equal ground in this respect. The one have a pastor 
whom they respect and love, who has been with them in times 
of anxiety and trial, and between whom and themselves there 
exist ties of too sacred and tender a nature to be sundered, ex- 
cept by the voluntary motion and action of the parties concern- 
ed. The other has no pastor, nor has it from the nature of the 
case, that attachment to the pastor of the other Church which 
would doubtless have existed, had he been for as many years 
their pastor. To the removal of this difficulty this Council are 
constrained to feel themselves inadequate, since they cannot 
control the aff*ections of the one body, nor, unrequested and un- 
authorized, touch the pastoral relations of the other. We are 
not prepared, on the one hand, to say that all the prejudices and 
preferences can or should be given up by Mr. Cowle's late peo- 
ple ; nor on the other hand require either the Rev. Mr. Phillips 
or his Church, to make a sacrifice, of the duty and expediency 
of which, they must be the judges. However, then, in view of 






RESULT OF COUNCIL. . 147 

! 

all the facts which have coine to our knowledge, our private 
opinions respecting duty and expediency in this matter, may 
differ from that of Rev. JMr. Piiillips' Cluirch as expressed by 
him as the organ of their Committee, we feel obliged to leave 
the matter to the consideration and decision of themselves and 
their pastor. 

"This Council cannot refrain from expressing our belief, 
from what we iiave witnessed, that there is, in all the parties 
concerned, a sullicient desire for union — a sufficient sense of 
the importance of the best economy in ministerial labor, in these 
days of destitution, and sufficient readiness to make any need- 
ful sacrifices for the sake of Christ and his cause, to render such 
a disposition as has now been made of this whole subject, the 
best we could make even if it were not, as we think it is, tho 
only in our power. 

" This Council cannot refrain from pressing it upon the minds 
of all Christians, in both Churches, that for the sake of union on 
the ground of Gospel truth, and for the advancement of the 
cause of Christ, it is their incumbent duty, while they contend 
earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, to make great 
sacrifices of personal feeling and private interest. 

"We do most earnestly and affectiouately entreat the mem- 
bers of both Churches to live as brethren. We cannot doubt 
that the cause of Christ is equally dear to both churches, and 
we do believe that if the spirit of conciliation and kindness, 
which has been manifested during the session ofthe Council is 
continued, the troubled waters will grow more and more calm, 
till all is tranquility and peace. We hope, beloved brethren, 
that you will endeavor to cherish a childlike, a lowly, and a con- 
tented spirit, and if things are not in all respects as many of you 
could wish, wait quietly till He who orders all things wisely, 
shall bring all things right. 

" The Council beg leave to assure the members of both 
Churches of their kind feelings and Christian regards. We 
have found ourselves called to settle questions of the utmost 
difficulty and delicacy. Circumstances of past occurrence, cause 
us to feel a deep sympathy with the members ofthe Church un- 
der the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Phillips. Circumstances of a 
more recent date constrain us to look with much affection upon 
the members of the Church under the late care of Rev. Mr. 
Cowles. But we beg them both to be assured, that we have 
earnestly sought guidance from above, that we might come to 
such a result, as would be mutually acceptable, and promote the 
social and spiritual happiness of all the friends of the Saviour, 
in this place. Thomas SiselTj, Moderator. 

John S. C. Abbott, ScribeJ^ 



148 OBJECTIONS TO RESULT. 

On the Sth of January, 1835, the church under the 
the Charge of Rev. Mr. Phillips, met to hear the result 
of the Council, and to take such order upon it as they 
deemed proper. To its acceptance there was in the 
minds of many, very weighty and serious objections. 
One of these was the " private opinion of the Council" 
in reference to the dismission of Mr. Phillips. They, 
with their pastor, had supposed that the union was to be 
formed under the ministry of Mr. Phillips. '' One of 
the Committee" of his church, " that difficulty might not 
arise, in relation to this matter, in the midst of the busi- 
ness of forming a union, sought to have a definite under- 
standing with them respecting it, and supposed that such 
an understanding existed ; and more, thatthe committee 
of the Congregational Church had given him a pledge, 
that they should say and do nothing respecting the pas- 
tor. But the fact turned out to be, some three or four 
days before the meeting of the Council, when it was too 
late to have the day of their meeting deferred, that the 
committee of the Congregational Church were deter- 
mined the Council should take up and act on the sub- 
ject of the pastor's dismission."* 

The main objection, however, was the appointment of 
three ministers to come and satisfy themselves of the 
personal piety of those members of the Congregational 
Church who desired a union, and recommend them by 
letter to the Evangelical Congregational Church, by vir- 
tue of which they should become identified with that 
church. This right they felt that they ought not to be 
required to resign into the hands of those who were en- 
tire strangers to the persons they were to recommend. 
Some of these persons had been professors of religion 

*JMr. Philli[is' Appeal, p. 3. 



RESULT ADOPTED. 149 

for fifteen, some twenty and others thirty years, a suffi- 
cient time to have established a character of some kind 
among those to whom they were well known. " But 
how were a committee of strangers to know whether 
a?/ the persons who should offer themselves to be trans- 
lated from the then late Unitarian church to the Ortho- 
dox, had established and sustained a Christian charac- 
ter."* There were many of the church that thought 
that it would be preposterous to entrust the matter en- 
tirely to their hands. In view of these and some minor 
objections, the church, at their meeting, voted to appoint 
a committeet of seven, to confer with an equal num- 
ber of the other church, to ascertain their views or un- 
derstanding of the result of Council, and to report at a 
future meeting. 

After several weeks had elapsed, said meeting con- 
vened, when the following vote was passed by a majority 
of those voting A majority of the whole number of vo- 
ters in the church, it was said, however, were never suffi- 
ciently satisfied with the result, and did not vote at all, 

" To the Clerk of the church, lately under the pastoral care 
of the Rev. J. P. Cowles ; — The following is a copy of a vote 
passed by our church, at a regular meeting, Feb. 5, 1835. 

"Feb.* 5. The church met agreeably to appointment ; after 
hearing the report of the committee, which seemed favorable, 
voted to accede to the first pari of " the result," viz., that which 
relates to the union of the Orthodox members of the other Con- 
gregational church with this. 

" A true copy— Attest, A. Phillips." 

The following is the vote of The Congregational 
church, on the acceptance of the result of Council. 

" February 28, 1835. The church of Christ under the late 
pastoral care of the Rev. John P. Cowles, held a meeting at the 

* Mr. Phillip's Appeal, p. 6. 

t The committee were I. Thompson, John 11. Brooks, Dea. Samuel Stratton, 
J. Cutting, J. Brooks, Jr., E. Bearaan. 



150 VOTES OF THE FIRST PARISH. 

hall of Dea. Charles Russell, Feb. 28, to consider and act on the 
result of the Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, lately convened in 
this place. The meetincr was opened by the Moderator, Dea. 
Charles Russell, who led the church in address to the throne of 
Divine grace, for light and direction in the important business 
before tliem. 

"The church then proceeded to a consideration of the sub- 
ject b:^fore them, and after a full and harmonious interchange 
of feelinofs, — 

"Voted unanimously to accept the result of said Council. 

" Voted, That the Clerk of the church be directed to transmit 
a copy of the doings of this ineeting to the church under the 
pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips. C. Dana, Clerk. 

"Copy from the records — Attest. 

C. Dana, late Clerk of said Church" 

On the 4ih of March follovvinff, at a legal meeting of 
the First Parish in Princeton, convened at the " Town 
House," the following votes were passed : 

"Voted unanimously, That we accept of the Result of the 
Mutual Ecclesiastical Council lately convened in this place, by 
the requestor the church under the late pastoral care of the 
Rev. Mr. Cowles and of the church under the pastoral care of 
the Rev. Mr. Phillips, and that we can cheerfully, and do most 
heartily respond to the sentiments expressed in the Result of 
said Council, that there is a sufficient degree of harmony in the 
views of this, and the Evangelical Society, to authorize the be- 
lief that they may unite in listening to, and supporting sound 
Evangelical ministrations. 

"Voted unanimously. That this Society invite, and we do 
hereby affectionately and respectfully, the said Evangelical So- 
ciety to unite with us, agreeably to the recommendation con- 
tained in the Result of said Council. 

"Voted unanimously. That we are, and have been, for a con- 
siderable time past, desirous of a union with the Evangelical 
Society, and that we highly approve of the course taken by the 
church connected with us, and of the measures they have adopt- 
ed to effect a union of the two churches. 

"Voted unanimously, That a union of the two societies ap- 
pears to us to be very desirable, and would tend as ive fully he- 
lieve to promote the peace, Christian harmony, and spiritual 
welfare of the people in this place ; and we can see no reason 
why the division which has for a long time unhappily existed 
here should be longer continued, or why we should transmit 
such a state of things to posterity. 



VOTES OF TUE FIRST PARISH. 151 



"Voted unanimously, That should a union take place, we 
sincerely desire that it may be extensive, permanent and last- 
ing ; that it may be such an one as shall promote the social and 
spiritual happiness of both societies ; and that in our own en- 
deavor to effect a union we disclaim having any other motive 
than that of advancing the Redeemer's kingdom and promoting 
the best interests of the people in this town. Our cause we 
firmly believe is a righteous cause ; one for which, we may invoke 
the blessing of Heaven, and one on which we may humbly 
trust the smiles and blessings of God will rest. 

" Voted unanimously, That we believe there is no relation 
more sacred and important than that which exists between a 
minister and his people — the peaceable and useful continuance 
of which depends on the mutual affection existing between 
them ; therefore we cannot refrain from expressing our serious 
and solemn conviction, that a union under the Rev. Mr. Phil- 
lips, would not be such an one as would be the best calculated 
to promote the happiness, the harmony, and the highest interest 
of the united society — inasmuch as we believe there is a want 
of that cordiality of feeling, both in him and in us, which it is 
so desirable should exist between a minister and people — and 
the attitude in which he has stood to us has been such as to 
render it impossible, in our view, for him to associate with a 
portion of the united people, with that freedom and cordiality 
which are so absolutely necessary in order that a people may 
derive from their minister, and he communicate to them, that re- 
ligious instruction which is so important for their highest good. 

" Voted unanimously. That we are aware that there is, as 
there always should be between a minister and his people, a 
mutual attachment existing between Mr. Phillips and the peo- 
ple under his pastoral care ; and we have no desire to do any 
thing to weaken or destroy this attachment : still we cannot re- 
frain from expressing it as our opinion, that should duty dictate 
to the Rev. Mr. Phillips to leave the field, as we cannot but be- 
lieve under the guidance of Divine Providence it may, the har- 
vest would be much greater under some other person than it 
possibly can or would be under his ministrations. 

'' Voted unanimously. That if the Rev. ]\[r. Phillips should 
determine to ask his dismission from his pastoral charge, we will 
contribute our share of any reasonable sum which shall be 
thought just and right as an indemnity for any loss he may sus- 
tain in consequence of such dismission. 

" Voted unanimously, That we hope and confidently believe 
that after viewing and deliberating upon all the circumstances 
connected with a union, that neither the Rev. Mr. Phillips nor 



15*3 VOTES OP EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. 

his people, will insist upon his being the minister of the united 
church and society. 
" A true copy of the records of said Parish meeting. 

" Attest : Joseph A. Reed, Clerk," 

It was voted, that the Clerk transmit to the Pruden- 
tial Committee of the Evangelical Society, an attested 
copy of the doings of said Parish. 

At a legal meeting of the Evangelical Congregational 
Society in Princeton, convened in their Meeting House, 
on Monday, the 23d day of March, A. D. 1835, the fol- 
lowing votes were passed, viz : — 

" Voted,— That we accept of the Result of the Mutual Ec- 
clesiastical Council, lately convened in this place, by the re- 
quest of the church under the late pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. 
Cowles, and of the church under the care of the Rev. Alonzo 
Phillips, relative to the union of the said societies. 

" Voted, — That the Clerk of said Evangelical Congregation- 
al Society transmit to the First Parish in Princeton, an attested 
copy of the doings of said Society. 

" A true copy of the record of said Parish meeting. 

"Attest: Erasmus D. Good>^ow, C7erL" 

This vote was also passed, it has been stated, not by 
a majority of the whole number of voters in the Evan- 
gelical Congregational Society, — for there were many, 
(as in the church) that never voted for the Result at all, 
not being sufficiently satisfied with it to do so. 

The Congregational Church, having been informed of 

the doings of the Evangelical Congregational Society, 

at their meeting on the 23d of March, met subsequent 

thereto, on the 27th day of April, when the following 

vote was passed : — 

" Voted unanimously, to carry into effect the result of coun- 
cil ; and Dea. Charles Russell and Caleb Dana and Br. Charles 
B. Temple, were appointed a committee to call a meeting of the 
church, when they may deem it expedient, and to invite the 
committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Bates of Templeton, 
Mann of Westminster, and Paine of Holden, to be present at 



DOINGS OF COMMITTEE. 153 

the said meeting of tlie church, to discharge the important du- 
ties assigned them in the Result of said council." 

In accordance with the above vote, this committee ap- 
pointed the 16th of May following, for the clergymen 
mentioned in the Result of the Council, to meet for the 
transaction of its business or duties assigned them. The 
annexed document will show the result : — 

"May 16, 1835. The brethren and sisters of the churcli 
under the late pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Cowles, met this 
day at the Town House, at half past ten of the clock, A.M.. 
agreeably to notice given by the committee of the church ap^ 
pointed for said purpose, to carry into effect the result of coun- 
cil, said result having been adopted by the church under the 
pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips. 

'• The committee appointed by the council, consisting of the 
Rev. Messrs. Bates of Templeton, Mann of Westminster, and 
Paine of Holden, were there present agreeably to the invitation 
of the church, given by the committee appointed for the pur- 
pose, to attend to the important duties assigned to them in the 
result of said council. 

"The Rev. Mr. Mann addressed the Throne of Grace for 
light and assistance on the solemn and interesting occasion. — 
Important remarks were then offered by the Rev. gentlemen 
composing the committee. The articles of faith and covenant 
of the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, 
were then read by the Rev. Mr. Mann, and assented to by all 
the brethren and sisters of the church present. 

" The Brethren of the church adjourned to the Meeting- 
house ; and after having had an interview with the committee 
of the council, Voted to adjourn, to meet at half past five of the 
clock, P. M., at the Town House. 

^^ Adjourned meeting. The brethren met at the town house 
agreeably to adjournment. The meeting was opened with pray- 
er by Br. Charles B. Temple. The committee of the church, 
consisting of brothers Russell, Dana and Temple, informed the 
brethren, by their chairman, that the committee of the council, 
having attended to the duties assigned them, had put into their 
hands the following communication as the result of their do- 
in^a, viz : — 



(( (' 



To the church of Christ in Princeton, under the pastoral 
charge of Rev. Mr. Phillips. 

" ' Rev. and Beloved,— The committee appointed by a council 
mutually chosen by you and the church under the late care of 
14 



154 ACTION OF SOCIETIES. 

Rev. Mr. Cowles to unite said churches, having satisfied them- 
selves of the personal piety of the following individuals, mem- 
bers of the last named church, recommend them to your fellow- 
ship ; and they are hereby embodied in one church in accord- 
ance with your vote in accepting the result of said council. 
[Here follow the names of forty-six individuals.] 
" ' Wishing you grace, mercy and peace, we are yours, dear 
brethren, with christian affection. 

Lemuel P. Bates, ^ 
Cyrus Mann, > Committee.^ 

May 16, 1835. William P. Paine, 3 

" Voted, to accept and sanction the doings of the committee 
of council. 

" The deacons of the church, viz. David Brooks, Joshua Ev- 
eleth, Charles Russell, and Caleb Dana, having severally ten- 
dered their resignations of said office, in consequence of the 
union about lo be consummated with the church under the pas- 
toral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, — Therefore, Voted, to accept 
their resignation, and that they are, ai their oion request, hevB' 
by discharged from the duties appertaining to said office. 

" Whereas several of our brethren and sisters have not seen 
fit to comply with the advice contained in the result of council, 
and to appear with the church this day before the committee 
apppunted for the purpose mentioned in said result — Therefore, 
Voted, that the clerk of the church be authorized, when re- 
quested, to give certificates to such persons as did not conform 
to the result of said council ; certifying that they were mem- 
bers in reffular standing previous lo the union, said certificate 
to bpar datp of this day. May ]6, 1835. 

"Voted, That brothers Charles Russell and Caleb Dana be 
directed to present to the Rev. Mr. Phillips' church, the letter 
of recommendation, that the union of the churches may be con- 
summated, agreeably lothe result of the Ecclesiastical council 
convened in this place December last, at the request of said 
churches, and in accordance with the subsequent votes and 
transactions of said churches, in adopting the result of said 
council. 

" Voted to dissolve the meeting. 

'• Copy and record of the proceedings. 

Caleb Dana, 
Late Clerk of the Church under the pastoral 
care of Rev. Mr. Cowles." 

On the 18th of the same month, the two societies — 
the First Parish and the Evangelical Congregational So- 



NEW OBSTACLE TO UNION. 155 

ciety — held each of them a meeting. The meeting of 
the latter was to ascertain whether its members were 
willing, according to the recommendation of the result, 
to dissolve their own Society and join the First Parish. 
The members of this Society, or a large portion of them 
at least, were members of the church, and they felt un- 
willing to have a union effected under such circumstances. 
Consequently, after a " most vigorous" effort by those 
favorable to the measure, only twelve oi ihe entire socie- 
ty were induced to vote in favor of joining said parish. 
The remainder, with the exception of nine who voted in 
the negative, did not see fit to act at all. 

The informal manner in which the Council's Commit- 
tee '* satisfied themselves of the personal piety" of the for- 
ty-six individuals which they recommended to the fellow- 
ship of the Phillips' church, had now become an obstacle 
to the proposed union. *' The committee came on the last 
day of the week — on Saturday; and in the short space 
o^ three hows, read" the articles of faith and covenant 
of the Evangelical Congregational Church, *' and took 
an assent to them, and satisfied themselves ' of the per- 
sonal piety' o^ forty-six individuals. Now how, accord- 
ing to the obvious meaning of the language of the result, 
were the committee, being strangers, to satisfy them- 
selves of the personal piety of the persons who should 
offer themselves ? Can any sensible and candid man 
give any other answer to this question than ' by personal 
examination' ; examination in the sense in which the 
term is generally understood in orthodox churches? 
Such was the understanding of the original* church. 
Had they not supposed there would have been an exam- 
ination in the usual sense of the term, not more than 

* The Evangelical Congregational Church. 



156 



NEW OBSTACLE TO UNION. 



three in the entire church vvouhl ever have voted to ac- 
cept the result. But icas there an examination in the 
sense in which the term is generally understood by ortho- 
dox people? Forty-six individuals in three hours! 
You have perhaps, reader, been present at the examina- 
tion of persons in relation to their religious experience 
and doctrinal views and the evidence of their having 
passed from death unto life. How much time do churches, 
or the committees, as the case may be, occupy in the 
examination of each individual, when there are several 
to be examined 1 Ten minutes in all cases, undoubted- 
ly ; probably in most cases more. But take the least, 
ten minutes. Six persons then, may be examined in an 
hour, and eighteen in three hours. But in the instance 
before us, we have forty-six in three hours. In the sense 
then in which the term is generally understood, could 
there have been an examination. The majority of the 
original church have felt, that there could not have been, 
and that there was not such an examination. Some per- 
sons present, too, have made statements which show, 
what the want of time evinces, that the forty-six persons 
who presented themselves, were not in the usual Ortho- 
dox sense of the term examined. It is a very delicate 
and disagreeable thing to add, but justice demands it, 
that the standing, as to a good name, of some of the per- 
sons recommended, and the character of several as to 
piety, is such as evinces that the committee, being sensi- 
ble men, could net have examined them. They never 
would have been satisfied of their piety, had they done 
so. Here then, reader, we have the reason, though not 
the only, yet the main and great reason, why the majori- 
ty of the original church could not feel willing that the 
union should go into effect. Ought they to have felt 



UNION OF SOCIETIES. 157 

willing, that it should ? What if most of those who vo- 
ted at all — nearly half of the church — had once voted to 
accept the result?* They voted thus, most of them cer- 
tainly, on the supposition, that the persons to be recom- 
mended to them and embodied in the church would first 
be examined. Under these circumstances, were the 
church bound by the above vote 1 Every candid and pi- 
ous mind, it is believed, must answer this question in the 
negative. In deep anxiety and distress, in many tears 
and prayers, a majority of them came to the conclusion, 
that they were not, and could not be bound by it."t 

The twelve persons in the society who were in favor 
of the union, being a majority of those who voted, pro- 
ceeded still further, however, and carried a motion to 
dissolve their society, and to join the First Parish. Ac- 
cordingly they " went over forthwith to the meeting of 
the First Parish,''' and presented their names and also 
the names of all the other members of the Evangelical 
Congregational society, for the reception of said parish. f 

The First Parish, in their meeting, accepted said list 
of names, voting them in individually. At the same 
time, also, a committee |1 was chosen to request the Rev. 
Alonzo Phillips to supply their pulpit for " the presents 

Mr. Phillips, as desired, agreed to supply their pulpit 
for *' the present," and for the present onli/ ; which 
supply, for five sabbaths, he accordingly rendered ; — 
when a nnjority of the Evangelical Congregational 
Church, after having pondered and prayed over the sub- 



* The Result of the Ecclesiastical Council. 

t Phillips' "Appeal," pp. 6, 7, 8. 

X Several protested at the time, we have been informed, against their 
names being presented for admission into the First Parish. 

II The committee were Messrs. Caleb Dana, Jonas Brooks, Jr., Charles B- 
Temple, Joseph Mason, and Charles Russell. 

14* 



15S ME. PHILLIPS' SUPPLY. 

ject apart and together, and conferred upon it, came to 
the deliberate and solemn conclusion that they could net 
conscientiously go forward in a union, under circum- 
stances which seemed to them adapted to the corruption 
of vital piety. In accordance with this conclusion, they 
addressed the following note to their pastor : — 

*' Whereas it has become quite manifest to us, the 
subscribers, that the way is not yet prepared to carry 
the union, respecting which so much has been said and 
done, into practical effect ; and whereas, neither we 
ourselves, nor our families, seem in a situation to derive 
much benefit from our minister's labours under present 
circumstances, we regard it as our right and our duty 
to request, and we do hereby request him to return to 
liis former place of labour." 

Mr. Phillips read this communication to the congre- 
gation of the First Parish, and stated that, as he was the 
Pastor of those who were the authors of the communi- 
cation, and was in the place he then occupied only for 
a temporary supply, it was obviously his duty to comply 
with their request. lie therefore gave notice that he 
should discontinue supplying for *'the present" the pul- 
pit of the First Parish, and return to his former place of 
labor. From this event, two separate congregations of 
public worship were again sustained. 

A difference of opinion having arisen in the church 
under Mr. Phillips, as we have seen, as to the propriety 
of the proposed union going into effect, (many main- 
taining that it was inexpedient, on account of the " un- 
satisfactory standing of several of the persons the coun- 
cil's committee" had seen fit to recommend, while others 
were unwilling that a division in public worship should 



'CIIURCn MEETINGS. 159 

take place,) a portion of the churcli returned to their 
usual place of worship with their pastor, and the others 
remained at the house of the First Parish. Forthwith 
thereafter, the other party held a meeting and resolved 
to continue their worship at the old Congregational 
house. 

On the same day, a meeting of the united church 
was also held, and a committee appointed to wait on Mr. 
Phillips and request him to call a meeting of the church, 
lo ascertain '* why they were not willing, that the union 
should go into effect." This resulted in a meeting of 
said church in .July following; *' at which, but for the 
opposition of those who were determined the union 
should go as matters then stood, the persons recommend- 
ed* would have been informed where tJie difliculty was, 
and a course adopted, there is good reason to believe, 
which would have saved the church from much of the 
evil they have since experienced. Near the close of this 
meeting, when half the members had gone and the rest 
were on their feet, beginning to go, a resolutiont was 
offered by one of the union-men-as-matters-were, the 
purport of which was that the church, in order to a har- 
monious union, wished for some opportunity to obtain 
a knowledge of the doctrinal views and religious experi- 
ence of the persons recommended. This resolution was 
retained by the mover, but the substance of it was event- 
ually forwarded by the committee appointed for the pur- 
pose to the persons whom it concerned."! 

*The persons recommended by the Council's Committee. 

t A copy of this resolution will appear in the succeeding cliaptex^ 

3; Phillips' Appeal, p. JL 



1(30 RECONCILIATION ATTEMPTED. 



CHAPTER XL 

Altempts t:i effect a reconciliation— Further examination iiroffered, witjj a 
plan therefcr — Amendment Proposed — Objections to Amendment — Call of 
Exparte Council— Mr. Phillips' letter to the Council— Result of Council — 
Mr. Phillips' Dismission — Biographical Notice — Meetings suspended at the 
Meeting House of First Parisli — Mr. Demond's settlement over First Par- 
ish — Di-;ati'ected ask for a Dismission — Call of Council — llesult — Mr. Har- 
ding's Settlement and Dismission — Mr. Gjldsmith's Settlement and Dis- 
mission—Call of Mr. Hitchcock. 

x\fter the meeting of the church in July, 1835, to 
which reference has been made in the preceeding chap- 
ter, no farther attempts of the parties to effect a recon- 
ciliation were made until October following, when a 
committee was appointed by the members of the church 
worshipping at the old Congregational meeting house, 
"to wait on the Rev. Mr. Phillips and consult with him 
in relation to existing difficulties, and also request him, 
to call a meeting of the church, to see if some measures 
cannot be adopted that will effect a reconciliation, and 
restore peace and harmony." To this proposal Mr. 
Phillips returned the following reply : — 

'To the persons recommended by the committee designa- 
ted by the Council, and others ivorshipping with them : 

"In reply lothe proposal for a meeting of ' the whole of the 
members of the church, at the Evangelical Society's House, 
concluded that as they had seen no cause to change their views 
since their meeting in July, to direct the committee then ap- 
pointed for the purpose, to transmit to you the resolution then 
passed, and which was not communicated at the time, for the 
reason I recently stated to Capt. Dana and others at my house. 
The committee above named have requested me to make out 
and send you a copy of the resolution in their behalf. As I have 
not th^•! resolution in my possession, and as it is several weeks 
since it was passed, I shall not be able to ^\ve you its exact lan- 
guage ; in substance, however, it was as follows : — 

" Resolved, That in order to a more harmonious and satis- 
factory union, this church wish for some suitable opportunity 



FURTHER EXAMINATION. 161 

to obtain a knowledge of the religious experience and doctrinal 
views of the persons who wish to become united with them. 

"This resolution was moved by Mr. Ephraim Beaman, and 
seconded by Mr. Thompson. 

Yours, &c., 

Princeton, Oct. 12, 1835. A. Phillips." 

The original resolution, the substance of which is in- 
tended to be embodied in the above, is found to be as 
follows : — *' Resolved, that the members of this church 
present wish for a knowledge of your views and feelings, 
of the reason of your hope, and of your doctrinal belief, 
that this church may have Christian fellowship with you, 
in any way which you shall choose to make it known to 
us." 

At a meeting of the members of the church that wor- 
shipped at the old house, held Oct. 15, 1835, it was voted 
to comply with the '* wish expressed in" the above reso- 
lution. A committee was also appointed to " converse 
with the absent members," and ascertain their views, 
and transmit the result to the members worshipping at Mr. 
Phillips' meeting-house. The committee, having atten- 
ded to their duty, reported that the " persons recom- 
mended by the council's committee" were willing to give 
a reason of " their hope" ; and at the same time propos- 
ed to the members at Mr. Phillips' meeting-house that 
a committee be appointed to meet a committee from their 
number to agree on " the ivay and manner y This re- 
quest was complied with and a committee was according- 
ly appointed. This committee met the other, and in due 
time made the following report : — 

"That the deacons of the church call a meeting of the whole 
church, including the members who were recommended and 
embodied with the church, by the committee appointed by the 
mutual council ; that a pastor, from some of the neighboring 
churches, be agreed upon by the brethren, and be invited to 



162 AMENDMENT PROPOSED. 

be present, to preside at said meeting; and that the said pas- 
tor, together with the deacons of the church, have the liberty to 
ask such questions, relative to our doctrinal views and Chris- 
tian experience, as they in their wisdom deem expedient. We 
further pro|)ose, if after Christian measures shall have been 
taken, there should be any of the members who do not give 
satisfactory evidence of their piety, that their cases be proposed 
to the church, by the deacons, for the action of the church there- 
on, and if the church consider such member or members aa 
unsuitable to commune with the church, that such be notified 
thereof, and be requested to wait until satisfactory evidence can 
be obtained by the church." 

To this proposition, the members to whom it was made 
had several objections, which, in their view, were 
weighty. In the first place, the persons that had been 
recommended must all be considered as members of the 
church already. Hence they did not see the propriety 
of ^/te/r giving the deacons a reason of their hope any 
more than other members of the church. Another ob- 
jection alleged, was, that no member of the church, or 
even of their standing committee, was to take apart in 
the examination, except the deacons. This seemed to 
them invidious. *'And beside?, one of the deacons had 
prejudged in the case — had shown by his course and 
said that he was willing to come into fellowship and 
communion with them, asking no questions, having no 
further action" ; so that, furthermore, it was wrong to 
*• throw the whole responsibility upon two members," es- 
pecially when the other deacon was unwilling to *' take 
this responsibility." In view of these objections, it was 
voted unanimously, that they could not agree to it, and 
the following amendment to the plan was proposed : — 

"That the persons recommenrled by the council's committee 
give the reason of their hope, in the hearing of as many mem- 
bers of the church as may wish to be present, to all the mem- 
bers of our standing committee (except Mr. Phillips, who feels 
unwilling to be present) — each member of tue committee hav- 



EXPARTE COUNCIL. 163 

ing liberty to ask such questions as he may deem proper and im- 
portant, and of one minister (either Mr. Miller or Mr. Nelson, 
as you may choose,) and that the minister and committee decide 
whether there are any, and if any, whose evidence is not satis- 
factory, and that the person or persons whose evidence is not 
satisfactory, according to your committee's proposal stand apart 
from the church." 

This proposed amendntient was at once rejected, and 
the following reasons assigned : — - 

*' First, because the plan you propose requires a portion of the 
church, (those embodied therein by the council's committee,) to 
present themselves for examination before a committee, a major- 
ity of whom have repeatedly refused to acknowledge them as 
members of said church, or as entitled to any of the rights and 
privileges of membership, and this too, as we think, in violation of 
high moral obligations, too sacred to be disregarded ; and be- 
cause that the said committee have already pre-judged in the 
case, by thus denying to said members the rights and privileges 
to which they are entitled by the result of an enlightened mu- 
tual council, sanctioned by virtue of the church. 

" Secondly, because you propose to place in this same com- 
mittee an uncalled for and unwarrantable assumption of power, 
not delegated to them by the church — the power of determining 
the membership of all those recently embodied therein, thereby 
depriving the said church of any power of action in their case." 

A meeting was held by the persons worshipping at the 
old house, on the 4th of December, and a vote passed 
to call a "council to dissolve, if expedient, the pastoral 
relations of the Rev. Mr. Phillips with the church, and 
also to consider and advise the church in relation to the 
unhappy difficulties existing therein." The members 
vi'orshipping at Mr. Phillips' meeting-house were invited 
to attend the above meeting, but declined, alleging as 
their principal reason, — "that the result of the council 
they have had already, had been the occasion of immense 
evil," and therefore they could see no reason "to hope 
for good from another." Previous to the assembling of 
the proposed council, however, the members of the 



164 MR. PHILLIPS' LETTER. 

church worshipping at the Rev. Mr. Phillips' meeting- 
house, "willing to do any thing to effect a reconciliation 
that seemed to them at all consistent and right," propos- 
ed that the persons recommended by the council's com- 
mittee, '' designate themselves, six, to be added to the ex- 
amining committee." This was declined, by replying 
that " it would not be any more satisfactory." 

They consequently proceeded to carry into execution 
their vote of Dec. 4, 1835, and an exparte council was 
convened on the 20th of January, 1836, consisting of 
the church of Christ in New Braintree, under the 
charge of Rev. John Fiske ; the church in North Brook- 
field, under Rev. Dr. Snell ; the church in Hubbardston, 
under Rev. Samael Gay; the church in Leicester, un- 
der Rev. John Nelson; the church in Rutland, under 
Rev. Josiah Clark ; the church in Templeton, under 
Rev. Lemuel P. Bates; the church' in West Boylston, 
under Rev. Elijah Paine, and the church in Holden, 
under Rev. Wm. P. Paine, — each pastor being accom- 
panied with a delegate. Mr. Phillips, together with the 
members who had worshipped with him, were apprised of 
the meeting of said council and invited lobe present. — 
They complied with said invitation. He also communi- 
cated the following letter : — 

" To the Council;' S^c. 
"Dear Brethren : — I was informed last week, by a note from 
a man who is one of the committee for convoking another coun- 
cil, that the first business of the council would be, to consider 
my relation to the church, and if thought expedient, dissolve 
it. Though I have had no voice in calling the council, you may, 
perhaps, wish, or at any rate, be willing to hear something 
from me before you proceed to a business so important and se- 
rious. The facts then, in the case, are these. Some four or five 
weeks after the last council's committee had been called here 
to attend to the duties assigned them, a majority of the original 
church addressed a communication to me, in which they avow.. 



RESULT OP COUNCIL. 165 



ed, with sufficient clearness their unwillingness to have the 
proposed union go into effect under present circumstances, and 
requested me, as their pastor, to resume my labors in their 
former place of worship. This communication I read to the 
congregation at the old meeting-house, and then returned to 
my church. On my doing this, a portion of the original church 
merged themselves among the people at the old house, and be- 
gan to sustain a separate public worship, first by reading and 
subsequently preaching. Thus commenced the present practi- 
cal division in the original church. I resumed and continued 
my labours as requested, until utterly disabled in health, when 
I gave notice that I could do no more at present. When, after 
several weeks relaxation and journeying, I had recovered suffi- 
cient health to be able to preach, I found circumstances to be 
such as rendered it, in my judgment, inexpedient to resume 
my labors. In this the church, with great apparent reluctance 
and grief, acquiesced. I do not then, you now perceive, doubt- 
less, regard myself as ihc pastor of the people who propose that 
you should dismiss me. I am not their pastor. 

" You will not think me wanting then, I trust, brethren, in 
Christian respect and courtes}'-, if I say, in view of these facts, 
that I cannot admit, but do hereby deny your right to exercise 
any jurisdiction in the case. The church of which I am pastor 
and myself both, decline uniting in the council. You will not 
then brethren, I trust, undertake to ' sit and act upon me.' 

"Praying that you may be endued abundantly with the 
wisdom which I know you will feel that you need, should you 
geta /it/Z view of the entangled and dreadful state of the relig- 
ious affairs of the place, I subscribe myself, 

Yours, &c., A. Phillips." 

The Council came to tee following result : — 

"The Council are unanimously of opinion, that there is but 
one Congregational Church in Princeton, viz : that which is 
called ' the united church,' and that now worshipping in what is 
called ' the old meeting house' ; 

" That whereas, the Rev. Alonzo Phillips, pastor and minis- 
ter of the Congregational Church and Society in Princeton, has 
refused and neglected to administer the ordinances to said 
church and society for a long time, and whereas the said Mr. 
Phillips has refused to unite in calling a Mutual Ecclesiastical 
Council to dissolve said relation, when requested to do so, there- 
fore hindering the prosperity and wounding the cause of Z ion ; 

" Voted, That the pastoral relation subsistmg between the 
Rev. Mr. Phillips and the Congregational Church in this place, 
ought to be, and hereby is dissolved." 
15 



166 MR. PHILLIPS' DISMISSION. 

To the foregoing charge Mr. Phillips replies*: — *' The 
charge speaks of me, you perceive as the ininister of 
the Congregational Society. But I never was their min- 
ister. They never did any thing to constitute me 
their minister ; they never regarded me as such. Who 
ever heard of a Society passing a vote to request their 
minister to supply their 'pulpit for the present V Here 
then, reverend gentlemen, you are totally mistaken. 
The first part of the charge is, that I had * refused 
to administer the ordinances to them' : To refuse, 
means, according to Webster, to deny a request, de- 
mand, invitation, or command ; to decline to do what 
is solicited, claimed, or commanded. This I have never 
done. "\Vhat the council call the church at the old 
meeting-house, never requested, nor invited, nor com- 
manded me to adminiv^ter the ordinances to them. AH 
the request I ever received from the people at the old 
house, was that from the first parish, to supply their 'pul- 
pit for the present'; and with this request I complied." 

As we have already been apprised, in the letter of 
Mr. Phillips to the Council, he had asked a dismission 
previous to the convening of the Council, which was 
granted. This occurred the 13th of January, 1836, at 
u meeting t '* called in part at his request," when, on 
instance of the following letter, " the church voted 
unanimously, in consideration of the present unhappy 
state of affairs, tho' with much apparent reluctance and 
grief, to grant his request" : — 

" To the Church of Christ. 
" Dear Brethren, — When I answered, more than fifteen years 
ago, your unanimous call to settle with you in * the work of the 
gospel ministry,' I expressed, as some of you doubtless recol- 

* See Phillips' Appeal, pp.2i2, 23. f See Church Records, vol. i. 



BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE. \ii7 

l3Ct, a willingness and determination, to cast in my lot with 
yours, then in no very encouraging circumstances ; to live or 
die with you. The whole history of my ministry shows, that 
I have never swerved from this purpose. The history of this 
church, too, shows that my ministry, its many faults notwith- 
standing, has been quite as successful as that of most other 
men's under similar circumstances. The course, however, 
which has been pursued by some of the members of the church 
for the last six months, the particulars of which, as they are 
well known to you all, I need not state in this communication, 
have thrown obstacles in the way of my success in future, and 
inflicted a wound on my feelings, which must, doubtless, justify 
me in your view, in requesting you, as I now do, to allow me to 
leave you, to unite with m€ in the usual measures for dissolving 
our connexion. And may the God of peace and love be with 
_you forever. A. Phillips. 

Princeton, January 12, 1 836." 

A Council convened at the house of Mr. Phillips and 
^consummated the vote of the church before mentioned 
relative to his dismission. Mr. Phillips, during his 
ministry in Princeton, had enjoyed the unlimited confi- 
■dence of the members of his church and society nearly 
to the time of his dismission. Several, a short time pre- 
vious thereto, became disaffected however, as we have 
seen in the narrative. About sixty young persons united 
with the church in the course of his ministry. No year 
passed without receiving some new members. The 
whole number added during this period was one hundred 
and thirty-five. 

Rev. Alonzo Phillips was born at Bradford, in this 
State, Sept. 1, 1788. His father, Capt. Timothy Phil- 
lips, was a revolutionary patriot. He prepared for col- 
lege at the academy in Bradford; graduated, in 1815, 
at the Mid-dlebury College, Vt., and immediately com- 
«nenced his theological course at Andover. He spent 
his first year in the ministry as a domestic missionary in 
the State of Vermont. Soon after his dismission from 



168 CONGREGATIONS UNITE. 

Princeton he removed with his family to Newburyport, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred April 
24, 1838. During the years of his ministry he prepared 
about 550 MS. sermons. These sermons were well 
studied, and abundantly evince a mind naturally clear 
and discriminating. 

On the 9th of June, 1886, a committee was appointed _ 
by the First Parish to " request the society worshipping 
at the Rev. Mr. Phillips' Meeting House to appoint a 
committee" to see if they can agree upon measures for J 
effecting a ** Union." At a meeting of the Evangelical ^ 
Society, on the 20th of the same month, it was voted 
*' to choose a committee, consisting of five" persons, to 
meet the above mentioned committee, with the following 
instructions: — "That the only condition on which the 
members of the First Parish can be united with us, is, 
by uniting with our society in a legal way. In case 
they see fit to unite with us, we will allow them to vote 
in all matters, or suspend action till they become voters 
by law." It was also '* Voted, That we feel the busi- 
ness must be closed soon and that we cannot make or 
receive any more communications on this subject of 
union. The First Parish refused to accede to this vote; 
but at the same time '' voted that they were willing to 
meet for public worship, in either of the Congregational 
Meeting Houses." Whereupon, the Society worshipping 
at the house of the Rev. Mr. Phillips' former labor, 
voted that they were *' willing, as individuals, that the 
First Parish should come in and worship with them." 
The First Parish voted to accept this invitation, and at 
the same time, *' to suspend meetings at the first parish 
^neeting house for the present, until otherwise ordered 



MUTUAL COUNCIL, 169 

by said parish, and meet in the new meeting house for 
religious worship."* 

The members worshipping at Mr. Phillips' " former 
place of labor," had, previous to this, invited Rev. Eli- 
jah Demond, of Holliston, to preach to them ; and in a 
short time they invited him to settle with them. He 
however negatived this call, and subsequently, on the 
24th of September, 1836, accepted an invitation from 
those previously worshipping at the old house to become 
their pastor. On the 26th of October following, Mr. 
Demond was installed. The exercises on that occasion 
were as follows : — Introductory prayer by Rev. Samuel 
Gay of Hubbardston ; Sermon by Rev. Jacob Ide, D. D., 
of West Medway; Installing'prayer by Rev. Job Fisher 
of New Braintree; Charge to the pastor by Rev. Dr. 
Snell of North Brookfield; Right hand of fellowship by 
Rev. Cyrus Mann of Westminster ; Address to the 
Church and Society by Rev. Josiah Clark of Rutland ; 
Concluding prayer by Rev. John Nelson ; Benediction by 
the Pastor. 

A committee was chosen in November, 1836, who 
were instructed to remove the Sabbath School Library, 
from the ''small to the large meeting-house."* 

The members that still worshipped at the ''small 
house," thirty-two in number, requested a dismission 
and recommendation, with a view to be formed " into a 
new Church by themselves." Their request, however, 
was not granted. It was renewed the second time, 
without avail. Whereupon it was agreed to call a mu- 
tual council, to "consider the subject of" their dismission. 
Accordingly, a council was convened Feb. 7, 1838, 

* Whether this vote was ever rescinded we are unable to state. 

i The committee were Josiah Cutting, Caleb Dana, and Charles B. Terapla, 

15* 



170 REV. MR. HARDING. 

consisting of the church in Hubbardston under the 
charge of Rev. Samuel Gay ; the church in Leicester un- 
der Rev. John Nelson ; the church in Rutland under Rev. 
Josiah Clark; the church in Hardvvick under Rev. Wm. 
Eaton, and the church in Keene, N. H., under Rev. 
Z. S. Barstovv, — each of the ministers of said churches 
being accompanied with a delegate. The following is 
the result : — " The council express their sympathy with 
the aggrieved persons, as the long tried friends of truth, 
and as honestly supposing themselves entitled to a dis- 
mission because they cannot, as they think, conscien- 
tiously come into the measures of the church, lest they 
approve of things that are wrong. And yet we think 
they misjudge in this respect; and on the other hand, 
the council are fully persuaded that the reasons urged by 
the church against granting the request of the petition- 
ers, are sound and judicious; and that it would be wrong 
to perpetuate divisions by erecting a new church state in 
Princeton."* 

The present Congregational Meeting House was com- 
pleted in 1838. Mr. Demond continued his labors in 
this place until 1839, when, at his request, he was dis- 
missed on the 8th of November of that year. He was a 
graduate of Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H., in 
1816, and pursued his theological studies at Andover. 

Rev. Mr. Harding, the successor to Rev. Mr. De- 
mond, was ordained March 20, 1840. The exercises 
were — Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Paine of Hoi* 
den ; Sermon by Rev. Mr. Rogers of Franklin St., Boston ; 
Ordaining prayer by Rev. Samuel Gay of Hubbardston; 
Charge to the pastor by Rev. Josiah Clark of Rutland ; 
Fellowship of the churches by Rev. Samuel Lamson of 
* For the course taken by the disaffected, see succeeding chapter. 



REV. MR« GOLDSMITH. 171 

Brighton ; Address to the church and society by Rev. 
Cyrus Mann of Westminster; Concluding prayer by 
Rev. S. G, Buckingham of Milibury; Benediction. — 
Mr. Harding was dismissed, at his request, on the 28th 
of August, 1844. 

In March, 1845, it was voted by the church and 
parish to give Rev. Joseph Vaill a call to settle. Mr. Vaill 
however declined. In June of the same year, Rev. Al- 
fred Goldsmith accepted an invitation to settle in Prince- 
ton, His installation took place July 15, 1845. The 
exercises on the occasion were as follows : — Introductory 
prayer by Rev. J, W. Cross of West Boylston ; Ser- 
mon by Rev. G. W, Blagdon of Old South Church, 
Boston ; Installing prayer by Rev. S. Sweetser of Cen- 
tral Church, Worcester ; Charge to the pastor by Rev. 
E. Smalley of Union Church, Worcester ; Fellowship 
of the churches by Rev. A. Bullard of Barre; Address 
to the people by Rev. S. S. Smith of Westminster ; Con- 
cluding prayer by Rev. O. B. Bidwell of Hubbardston, 
and Benediction by the pastor. Mr. Goldsmith contin- 
ued his labors until the 17th of June, 1849, when he 
was, at his request, dismissed. 

Since the last date, the Congregational Church in 
Princeton has had no settled pastor. It was voted, 
June 20, 1850, to give the Rev. Wm. D. Hitchcock a 
call to settle over the church in the work of the gospel 
ministry. Mr. Hitchcock negatived the call. He how- 
ever continued to supply their pulpit for ten months ; 
and has since settled over the Congregational Church in 
Clinton. Their pulpit, since he left, has been supplied 
by different ministers, mostly by students from the The- 
ological Seminary at Andover. 



172 rJETHODIST EPISCOrAL CUtJRCH. 



CHAPTER XII. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
Tntrodtiction of Methodism into Princeton— Messrs. Lewis and Fay join Class 
at Worcester— First Methodist Preaching by ilev.James Porter— Revival of 
Religion under the Labors of Rev. Mr. Paine— Formation of Classes — 
Hubbardston and Rutland made Stations— New Meeting House— First 
duarteriy Conference — Purchase of Furniture for Parsonage — Present to 
the Church — Stationed Preachers — Munificence of Mrs. Nabby Brooks. _, 

Methodism is said to be " a child of Providence." 
That it was iatroduced into Princeton under Providen- 
tial circumstances none can doubt, upon becoming ac- 
quainted with its brief history. During the first of the 
year 1838, Mr. George Lewis and Mr. Silas Fay, the 
former a member of the Baptist church and the latter a 
member of the Congregational church, requested dis- 
mission from those churches. Their request being 
granted, they joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Worcester. The Rev. James Porter, who was the 
stationed preacher at that time in Worcester, and under 
whose watchcare they had placed themselves, was invited 
to come to Princeton to preach. With this request he 
very readily complied, and, in March of the same year, 
preached in the old Town House, to a large concourse 
of people. He learned at this time, the condition of the 
place, and the existence of a desire to become better 
acquainted with Methodist doctrines and usages, on the 
part of many of the people. 

As they desired preaching on the Sabbath, which he 
was unable to render himself, he requested Rev. Benja- 
min Paine, of Oxford, (who at that time sustained a su- 
p-emumary relation to the New England Annual Confer- 
ence of the M. E. Church,) to spend a few Sabbaths in 
Princeton. Mr. Paine complied with the request, and 



METHODIST EPISCOrAL CHURCH. 173 

commenced preaching here the third Sabbath in April, 
1838, and continued until the first of June following, — 
at which time he engaged to preach for them one year 
additional. From the commencement of his ministerial 
labors among the people, there was an evident serious- 
ness and an increasing attention to the words of life 
preached by him, until some time in August following; 
when, at Valley village, or " Slab city," where he had 
held a third service on the Sabbath, a revival of religion 
broke out. Such was the interest now manifested on 
the subject of religion, that hundreds assembled to hear 
the word, while the revival influence extended into every 
part of the town and also into several of the adjacent 
towns, especially Hubbardston and Rutland. It is said 
to have been the most extensive and powerful revival of 
religion ever experienced in this community. As the 
fruits of it, many were added to the church of Christ. — 
On the 15th of August, Mr. Paine formed a class of 
about twenty members in Hubbardston, and on the 3lst, 
one in this town of about thirty members. 

In the early part of the succeeding year, another class 
was formed, in Rutland, consisting of twenty-five mem- 
bers. During the conference yoar many accessions 
were made to these classes, especially to the one in 
Princeton, so that at its close, in June, 1839, the M. E. 
Church numbered in all, comprising the three classes 
referred to, 138 communicants. Many of this number 
were the former members of Rev. Mr. Phillips' church, 
which has been conspicuous in the preceding chapters. 
Many accessions during this revival were also made to 
the Congregationalist church in this place.* At the 
session of the Conference in June, 1839, as Mr. Paine 

^* See Church Records, vol. ii. 



174 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

had heretofore sustained a supernumary relation, it was 
changed to that of effective, and he was then stationed 
at Princeton. At the same Conference, Hubbardston 
was also made a station, and Rev. J, Whitman, jr., ap- 
pointed to labor there; and Rutland was left to be sup- 
plied by the Presiding Elder. 

Immediately on the return of Mr. Paine from Confer- 
ence, the church and society under his charge, feeling 
the need of a more convenient place for public worship, 
commenced building a meeting-house. This house was 
erected at an expense of about forty-five hundred dol- 
lars, exclusive of the bell, (which was purchased by 
subscription, at an expense of about five hundred dol- 
lars, of which Jonas Brooks, Esq. paid two hundred 
dollars.) It was completed in the course of the ensuing 
winter, and dedicated on the 13th of February, 1840. 
The dedicatory prayer was offered by the Pastor, and 
the sermon preached by Rev. IM. L. Scudder, now of 
the New York East Conference. During the early part 
of the year 1840, the Methodist Episcopal Society com- 
menced its legal existence. The first quarterly meeting 
conference was held on the IGih of February of that 
year. Rev. Bartholomew Otheman, now of Providence 
Annual Conference, was the Presiding Elder. At this 
Conference, George Lewis, Jonas Brooks, Esq. and Ed- 
ward A. Goodnow, were elected the first stewards of the 
M. E, Church in Princeton. The class leaders that had 
been previously appointed by the pastor, were, John H. 
Brooks and Luther Crawford. 

Mr. Paine, who accomplished much for the society in 
its infancy, continued his labors with them until June, 
1840, which date terminated the term preachers are al- 
lowed to remain at one time, on the same station, or 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 175 

circuit, in the Methodist Episcopal connection. Rev. 
Stephen Gushing was appointed as the successor of Mr. 
Paine. During the ministrations of Mr. Gushing, a 
considerable amount of furniture was purchased by sub- 
scription, for the use of the stationed preachers in Prince- 
ton. In the year 1841, Rev. William R. Stone was sta- 
tioned over this church, whose pastoral labors were high- 
ly appreciated by the church and congregation. Rev. 
J. R. Sawyer was appointed to succeed Mr. Stone in 
1842. ?»lr. Sawyer, after laboring a few months with 
the people, withdrew from the M. E. Church and con- 
nected himself with the " True Wesleyans." 

Fortunately for the church and society, Rev. Joseph 
W. Lewis, who was at that time preaching in West 
Boylston, was engaged as Mr. Sawyer's substitute. Mr. 
Lewis was vigilant in looking after the spiritual inter- 
ests of the church. He labored with them with great 
acceptance until the session of the Gonference, in 1843, 
from which he was returned to Princeton, as also from 
the succeeding one in 1844, closing his labors here in 
1845. During his fministrations several were added to 
the church. Rev, Kinsman Atkinson succeeded Mr. 
Lewis, who was diligent in the work of the ministry. 

In 1846, Rev. Howard G. Dunham was the stationed 
preacher. In September of this year Mrs. Olive Winch 
presented to the church a set of communion service. 
The money by which said set was purchased, was earned 
by her own industry after having passed the age of three 
score years and ten. On the 6th of September, 1846, 
the following resolution was unanimously adopted by the 
church : — " Resolved, That the thanks of this church 
be given to our aged and respected sister Winch, for the 
set of communion service she has this day presented to 



176 BAPTIST CHURCH. 

US, with the assurance of our Christian regards, and 
prayers that she may ever feel that it is more blessed to 
give than to receive." 

In the years 1847 — S, Rev. Albert A. Cook, was 
stationed here, whose labors much increased the congre- 
gation. The succeeding conference year, Rev. Henry 
M. Bridge was the pastor. Rev. Jeremiah L. Hana- 
ford was appointed in April, 1850, and continued till 
April, 1852. Rev. Simon Putnam is the stationed 
preacher this year.* 

The Methodist Episcopal Church and Society in 
Princeton, have a fund of little more than 8600, which 
was presented said church and society some years since 
by Mrs. Nabby Brooks, the annual interest of which 
goes to the support of public worship. The church gives 
promise of accomplishing extensive good. Hitherto 
its influence has been most salutary, and we trust still 
more numerous and healthful influences will emanate 
Irom it.t 

* W^e have not thought it best to give any biographical sketches of the dif- 
ferent preachers of this church, as their stay has necessarily been limited. 
t For Articles of Faith of the M. E. Church, see Discipline, sec. ii. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
Formation of the Baptist Society — First Baptist in Town — First Preaching- 
Rev. Mr. Andrews— Organization of the Church— Articles of Faith— Rev. 
Mr. Walker — Rev. Mr. Johnson — Settlement and Dismission of Mr. Morse 
—Call and Settlement of Mr. Lovel— His Dismission— Settlement of Mr, 
Ball— Settlement of Mr. Cunningham— Accessions to the Church— Dis- 
mission of Mr. Cunningham— Temporary Supply of the Pulpit. 

The records of the Baptist Society do not bear an 
earlier date than 1817. On the 9th of April of that year 



J 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 177 

sixty-one individuals, several of whom were members of 
the Baptist church in Holden, formed themselves into a 
society by the name of "the JBaptist Society in Prince- 
Ion." Tradition reports that Mr. Aaron Perry, living 
upon the farm now known by the name of the " Kice 
place," was the first person of this denomination belong- 
ing to town. The records of the town partially confirm 
the voice of tradition. At a town meeting, held May 5, 
1770, it was voted that " Aaron Perry be left out of the 
ministerial rates,''* on the account of his being of the 
Baptist persuasion, and an article was inserted in the 
warrant for the town meeting to be held May 27, 1776, 
"to see if the town will abate all, or any of the ministe- 
rial rates of those persons that are of the Baptist persua- 
sion." The vote of the town in reference to this article 
reads as follows : — *' Voted, to abate the ministerial rates 
of Stephen Ralph, Sadey Mason, and Aaron Perry." 
For several years subsequent to this period this favor 
was refused. 

The records of the Society commence, as before stated, 
April 9, 1817. William Everett was chosen moderator, 
and Stephen Mirick, jr., clerk. Previous to this time, 
liowever, there was occasional Baptist preaching at the 
house of Mr. Perry, and, as early as the year 1805, the 
Rev. Elisha Adams, then Pastor of the Baptist church 
in Templeton, commenced preaching in town at the 
residence of Mr William Everett, usually spending 
eight or ten Sabbaths in Princeton during each year. 
The Baptists in town then belonged to the Baptist church 
in Templeton ; but on the 31st of December, 1807, 

* The " ministerial rates" related to what was raised for the support of the 
Established Church. 

16 



178 BAPTIST CHURCH. 

at their request, they were dismissed, and became 
connected with the church in Holden. 

Under the ministration of Mr. Andrews, several addi- 
tions were made to the church. He continued his labors 
until 1819. For three years subsequent thereto. Rev. 
John Walker preached to them one fourth of the time. 
There was a revival of religion under his ministry, and 
as fruits of it nearly twenty became connected with the 
ehurch in Holden. Their meetings during this period 
were usually held at one of the school-houses, n^mlyat 
the " North school-house," so called. In 1822 they re- 
quested a dismission from the church in Holden, for the 
purpose of being " united into a distinct church." This 
Request was granted on the 31st of July of that year, and 
they were duly organized as a Church of Christ in 
Princeton, numbering at the time twenty-eight members. 
The following are the Articles of Faith adopted at th^ 

organization: — , r^u ^ 

" 1 We believe that the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and 

New Testaments, were given by infallible ^f P^lf )«" °^,^^^^^^^ 

and that they contain our only and sufficient rule of faith and 

^'"T^'We believe that the Holy Scriptures teach us that there 
is only one living and true God ; possessing infinite ^^^^^^^^^ 
wisdom, power, holiness, J-tice goodness and truU. ; and^h^^^ 
this one God consists in three Persons— the Father, the foon, 

""uf wSve that the first man, Adam, was ci;eated up- 
rifrht'and holv, and by a divine constitution was placed the head 
en&esentl'tiveof his postenty,so that all mankind descend- 
ing from him by mutual generation, are, in consequence of his 
d"fobedienc^, involved in a state of sin and guilt yet so as not 
^ Soy the moral agency of mankind, nor the personal re- 

^P?."r^"w'etre:7thaf]eLl- Christ is truly and properly 
the Son of God, and that in him the Divine and human natures 
are .o united as to be one Person, and that he is the only Me- 
diator between God and man. 
"5. We believe that Jesus Christ was from Eternity set aa 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 179 

the Mediator of the new covenant, and tfaat in that covenant a 
certain number of the human race was given to him, of the Fa« 
ther, by an irrevocable purpose of Grace, who shall infallibly 
be fiaved through the Mediator of the atonement, by faith ia 
Christ, renovation of heart, and true holiness. 

" 6. We believe that /esus Christ has made a true and 
proper atonement for mankind by the sacrifice of himself for sin. 

" 7. We belive that all who are truly regenerated by the 
Spirit of God, and so are penitent believers in Christ, will be 
infallibly saved. 

"8. We believe that ail true believers are justified by faith 
in Christ, and their sias freely forgiven, for the sake of the 
atonement. 

" 9. We believe it is the duty of believers to be baptized 
t>y a total immersion in water, and for baptized believers to par- 
take of the Lord's Supper, and that regularly ordained minis- 
ters of the Gospel are the only authorized administrators of 
those ordinances. 

'• 10. We believe that the first day of the week ought to 
be observed as the Christian Sabbath. 

" 11. We believe that every Christian church has full power 
to receive, discipline, and exclude her own members, according 
to the laws of Christ, yet in proper subordination to the offices 
which the great Head of the church has appointed. 

" 12. We believe that the oncers which Christ has appoint- 
ed in his church are Bishops and Deacons, whose official au- 
thority is exclusively ministerial. 

" 13. We believe that every Christian who has a family is 
bound to maintain visible religion in it. 

" 14. We believe that all men will be raised from the dead 
and judged according to the deeds done in the body, and that 
the righteous will be received into endless Happiness, and the 
wicked will go away into endless Punishment." 

After the formation of the church in Princeton, Mr. 
Walker confined his labors exclusively to the church in 
Holden, and the Rev. Mr. Andrews was again employed 
to preach in town half of the time. He continued his 
labors nearly two years. Rev. Elisha Andrews was a 
man of uncommon talents, as a preacher, although lie 
had never enjoyed the advantages of a College education. 
He is reported to have been remarkably happy in the 
expository style of preaching. 



180 BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Upon the leaving of Mr. Andrews the churcli were 
dependent upon temporary engagements until 1826, 
when Rev. Elias Johnson became their pastor, preaching 
alternate Sabbaths in Princeton and Westminister. 
During his ministrations nearly thirty were added to the 
church. In 1828, a meeting house was erected at an 
expense of $2,000. This house was located about a 
mile north from the centre of the town, and was built of 
brick. Mr. Johnson closed his ministerial labors with 
the society in 1830. 

In March, 1830, about thirty members requested and 
obtained a dismission from this church, and formed 
themselves into a distinct church at Westminster. On 
the 27th of September following. Rev. Appleton Morse 
received an unanimous call to become the pastor of the 
church and society in Princeton and Westminister. 
Mr. Morse, having accepted the call, was ordained Oct. 
19. The following were the exercises on that occa- 
sion : — Reading the Scriptures by Rev. Asaph Meriam 
ofBoylston; Introductory prayer by the same; Sing- 
ing by the choir ; Sermon by Rev. Ira Chase, Profes- 
sor of Biblical Theology in the Newton Theological Ins- 
titute ; Anthem ; Ordaining prayer by Rev. Elisha Sam- 
son of Harvard; Charge by Rev. Abel Fisher of West 
Boylstoa ; Right hand of fellowship by Rev. John Walk- 
er of Holden ; Address to the church by Rev. Mr. Fish- 
er; Concluding prayer by Rev. Samuel Everett of Mil- 
ford, N. H. ; Ordination Anthem ; Benediction by the 
pastor. Mr. Morse divided his labors between the two 
places until the spring of 1831, when they were confined 
exclusively to Princeton. About twenty-five were ad- 
ded to the church under his labors, which terminated 
April 1, 1832, at his own request. 



BAPTIST CHURCH. 181 

The Rev. Appleton Morse was born in Hopkinton, 
in this State, March 7, 1805. He entered Brown Uni- 
versity in June, 1824. ** During his sophomore year, 
ill health obliged him to leave the University and sus- 
pend for a time his studies." On his recovery, he en- 
tered upon a theological course at the Institution at 
Newton, and graduated in 1830. Soon after his dis- 
mission from Princeton, he was settled in Fitchburg, 
where he remained for several years. 

After the dismission of Mr. Morse, the church was 
supplied with preaching from temporary sources until 
1834. In June of that year, Rev. Nehcmiah G. Lovell 
received and accepted an invitation to become their min- 
ister. He was ordained on the 19th of July, 1834. 
Exercises as follows.: — Introductory prayer and reading 
the Scriptures by Rev. Alonzo Phillips, pastor of the 
Presbyterian church in Princeton ; Sermon by Rev. Mr. 
Patterson; Ordaining prayer by Rev. Appleton Morse, 
previous pastor; Charge by Dr. Lovell, father to the 
pastor elect; Right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Ris- 
ing ; Address to the church and society by Rev. Mr. 
Willard ; Concluding prayer by Rev. J. P, Cowles, pas- 
tor of the Congregational church in Princeton. Mr. 
Lovell continued the minister of the church until No- 
vember, 1836, when, at his own request, he was dis- 
missed. Rev. Nehemiah G. Lovell was born Auo-. 20, 
1806, at Rowley, in this State. He was the son of a 
Baptist clergyman. He graduated at the Brown Uni- 
versity in 1833. On his dismission from Princeton, he 
became pastor of the Baptist church in Amherst, N. H. 

Immediately after the dismission of Mr. Lovell, Rev, 
Mason Ball commenced preaching to the church and 
society in Princeton, and, on the 11th of March, 1837, 
16* 



182 BAPTIST CHURCH. 

received and accepted an unanimous call to settle with 
them in the Gospel ministry. He continued pastor un- 
til 1841, when he was dismissed. In June, of the same 
year, Rev. Mr. Coburn of Boston w^as invited to become 
their pastor : he however negatived the invitation. The 
present Baptist church was erected about this time. 

In October of 1841, Rev. Orlando Cunningham of 
Reading, Mass., received an invitation to become pastor 
of the church. Having accepted the invitation, he was 
ordained Nov. 23. The exercises on the occasion 
were — Introductory prayer by Rev. David Goddard of 
Leominster ; Reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Mr. 
Harding, Congregationalist preacher of Princeton ; Ser- 
mon by Rev. .J. W. Parker of Cambridge ; Ordaining 
prayer by Rev. Orin Tracy of Fitchburg ; Charge to 
the candidate by Rev. John Allen of Sterling ; Right 
liand of fellowship by Rev. Andrew Pollard of Holden ; 
Address to the church and congregation by Rev. S. B. 
Swain of Worcester ; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. 
Goddard. Under the labors of Mr. Cunningham, several 
were hopefully converted and connected themselves with 
the church. He continued his labors with them until 
January, 1844, when, at his own request, his pastoral 
relation was dissolved. During this year several of the 
members withdrew from the church, having imbibed 
the views of the Anti-Sabbatarians. 

Since the dismission of Mr. Cunningham, the Baptist 
church and society in Princeton have been dependent 
upon temporary engagements for a supply of their pul- 
pit. They have had no preaching however since No- 
I'ember, 1851. 



MISCELLANEOUS -AIATTERS. 1S3 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTEPtS. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

First Public School in Town — Division of the Town into School Districts- 
Appropriations for Schooling — Select Schools — Munificence of John 
Brooks, Esq. — Native Ministers. 

Although the early settlers of this town were not fa- 
vored with many educational priviliges, yet they evinced 
an interest in the subject, and, considering their means, 
accomplished much. As soon as they were legally in- 
corporated into a District, the worship of God was 

"First in their noble thoughts and plans ; 

Then, the strong training of their ynuth,^'' 
And even previous to this, those parents who were in- 
terested in education, taught their own children for seve- 
ral years. Private schools were also kept, supported by 
private contributions, in a small room of some one of 
their log houses. 

''The first public school was kept by Mr. Samuel 
Woods, in a house on the farm at present owned by 
Capt. Nahum Wilder." The precise year when this 
shcool was commenced we have been unable to ascer- 
tain. It is supposed that it was about the year 1759, the 
date of the District's incorporation. The first action of 
the District upon the subject, in a corporate capacity, 
as appears by the records, was on the 2d of January, 
176-1, when six pounds, (about 827) was voted for the 
use of Schools that year. The year immediately suc- 
c-eeding, this sum was augmented c£100 old tenor, equiv- 
alent to c£13, 65, 8f7. It would appear from the Town 
Records to have become an almost establishfid method 



184 MISCELLANEOUS MATTErvS. 

of proceedure, to do as last year respecting schools;; 
with a few exceptions, however, the amount of money 
raised was gradually augmented with the increase of 
population. 

Previous to 1769, the town not having been divided 
into districts, the selectmen were expected to address a 
warrant to the people of a neighborhood, instructing 
them to procure a school teacher, and allowing the dif- 
ferent neighborhoods the amount paid by them. The 
following is a copy of a warrant addressed to Mr. Robert 
Cowden and sixteen others, bearing date Jan. 4, 1768 : 

*' You are hereby ordered to procure a Schoolmaster 
to y^ approbation of y*" selectmen, and Improve in y® use 
of Schooling what you are assessed in y® School Rates, 
and when you have done so you may have orders to draw 
y" same out of y^ District Treasury. 

*' Sura total of your School Rates £S, 5,2, 1." 

In October, 1769, it was voted to make an alteration 
respecting the Schools, and a committee consisting of 
Dea. Keyes, Caleb Mirick, Sadey Mason, Stephen Brig- 
ham, Robert Keyes, Joseph Phelps, and Samuel Woods 
was chosen for that purpose, to report at a subsequent 
meeting. At a meeting on the 6th of December, the 
same year, said committee reported that it was expedient 
to divide the town into six districts or squadrons, as 
they were at that time usually termed. This report was 
adopted by the town and the division accordingly made. 
There were at that time one hundred and nineteen fami- 
lies in town. 

The "Middle Division," or District, embraced thirty- 
■six families, as follows : — Moses Gill, Joseph Wooley, 
iabez Stratton, Dr. Ephraim Woolson, William Gibbs^ 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 185 

Isaac Stratton, William Foster, John Barber, Joseph 
Haynes, Samuel Wood, Job Brooks, John Gleason, 
Amos Powers, Enoch Brooks, Rev. Timothy Fuller, 
Elisha Gale, Josiah Wetherbee, Josiah Mirick, Paul 
Matthews, Joseph Eveleth, Caleb Mirick. Joel Rice, 
George Parkhurst, John Mirick, Samuel Hastings, J. 
Bullard, Joseph Norcross, Abncr Howe, Adonijah 
Howe, Joseph Sargent, Ebenezer Jones, John Jones, 
James Mirick, Peter Goodnow, Thadeus Bowman and 
Isaac Jones, 

The " Southerly Division" contained twenty families : 
Ephraim Hartwell, Joseph Gibbs, Thomas Mason, Jacob 
Moore, Aaron Brooks, Nathan Farrow, Samuel Bailey, 
Robert Forbes, Sadey Mason, Col. Benjamin Flolden, 

William Muzzey, Jonathan Smith, Eager, Charles 

Brooks, Asa ELarris, Eliphalet Howe, Conant, 

George Smith, William Raymond, and Richard Cheever. 

" Easterly Division," ten families : — Silas Houghton, 

Allen, J. Stanley, Joseph Abbot, Charles Wyman, 

Col. Elisha Jones, Warren Sawin, Isaac Abbot, Joseph 
Phelps, and Oliver Dresser. 

'* Westerly Division," eighteen families: — C. Hart- 
well, Nathan Smith, David Parker, William Thompson, 
Robert Cowden, Oliver Davis, Lt. Boaz Moore, Timo- 
thy Keyes, Joseph Eveleth, Humphrey Moore, Silas 
Plympton, Morse, Robert Rossier, William Skin- 
ner, Micah Newton, Seth Savage, John Jones, and 
Abraham Savage. 

" North-westerly Division," fourteen families : — Isaac 
Thompson, Philip Rogers, John Bartlett, Stephen Brig- 
ham, Davis, Stephen Ralph, David Everett, Ebe- 
nezer Colburn, Daniel Sumner Howard, Aaron 

Perry, Isaac Norcross, Noah Norcross, and Artemas 
Howe. 



186 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

"North-easterly Division,'' twenty-one families: — 
Jonathan Powers, Timothy Billings, Robert Keyes, 
Tilly Littlejohns, Samuel Moseman, Elisha Wilder, 

Ephraim Osgood, Joel Houghton, Brown, John 

Frost, Benjamin Wilson, William Edgell, James Robin- 
son, Timothy Moseman, William Moseman, Phineas 
Beaman, James Harrington, Stephen Harrington, Abijah 
Harrington, Elisha Hobbs, and Gregory. 

In January, 1771, it was " voted that each Squadron 
have liberty to build their own sehool houses;" it ap- 
pears, however, that neither of them availed themselves 
of this privilege. In March, of the same year, it was 
" voted a school house be built in each Squadron of y® 
town at y^ town cost, and that a school house be built in 
y^ Middle Squadron, twenty feet square, and that one 
hundred dollars be allowed for y^ building y^ same, said 
money to be raised in y' Middle Squadron, and y* other 
Squadrons to be assessed by y^ samo proportion for y® 
building y® other school houses, and if any money is left, 
it shall be converted to y® use of schooling in y® Squad- 
ron." A committee, of two to each Squadron, was chosen 
at the same time, to superintend the building of said 
houses. In the year following, this vote was so far re- 
considered, that it was " voted each Squadron be rated 
separately," and application was also made to the 
" Quarter Sessions" for the confirmation of this vote. 
The six school-houses were accordingly built, during 
that and the following year. The one in the Middle 
Squadron at the expense of £26, 13s, 4d. ^' These 
houses stood, with the exception of that of the centre 
district, until 1797, when new ones were erected, which 
remained until 1836, when the town again commenced 
re-building them." The centre school house, which had 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 187 

been used to transact the municipal business of the town 
in, was consumed by fire, whereupon the present old 
Town House was built, and used for the centre school, 
until 1811, when the district was divided. In 1792, a 
new division of the town into school districts was made, 
and in 1838 it was new districted as at present. At 
this time, also, most of the school houses were built with 
brick. 

The town, since the year 1800, has appropriated for 
schooling, $34,687,87 1-2, exclusive of private appropri- 
ations. The appropriation for the present year, 1852, 
is $1000, which is divided equally among the ten dis- 
tricts. In addition to this, about $65 will be received 
from the school fund of the State ; making in all, $1065, 
to be expended for the purposes of Common Schools. 
Of this, two-thirds is to be expended for the winter 
schools, and the remaining one third for summer 
schools. 

Statistical Account of the Common ScJiooIs, for 
1851-2 :— Number of Districts, 10 ; Number of differ- 
ent scholars in Summer Schools, 279, — in Winter, 337; 
Average attendance in Summer Schools, 260, — in Win- 
ter, 275. 

The influence exerted by Common School instruc- 
tion, has been, in the highest degree, happy and salutary 
upon all the citizens of the town. It may be confident- 
ly asserted that each individual has, to a. certain extent, 
personally shared in their enlightening and ennobling 
blessings. The interests of education in Princeton 
have not been unaffected by the progress of learning 
throughout the community. The demand for more 
school instruction, has been met, by individuals of this 
place, through the maintenance, at different periods, of 



188 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

a Select or High School. In 1828, John Brooks, Esq., 
not only fitted up a building for the accommodation of 
an English and Classical school, and purchased a valua- 
ble philosophical apparatus for the use of the same, at 
his own expense, but he also obligated himself to pay the 
instructor a salary of $S00 annually, for three succes- 
sive years, — exclusive of the tuition of scholars. This 
school was quite prosperous for several years, especially 
" while under the management of Mr. Goddard, who pos- 
sessed, in an eminent degree, all the requisites of a suc- 
cessful teacher." Mr. Goddard continued teacher until 
1831. Subsequently, it was continued under the tuition 
of different individuals until 1835, supported by the 
liberal contributions of Mr. Brooks, and a few other in- 
dividuals. 

Princeton has raised up and educated many eminent 
and good men. Subjoined, are the names of Clergymen, 
of the Congregational and Baptist denominations, na- 
tives of this town, and who received their early educa- 
tion in this place : — Rev. Messrs. Stephen Baxter, 

Ralph, William Mason, Thomas Mason, Humphrey 
Moore, William Allen, John Keyes, Ezra Newton, Con- 
gregationalists ; Rev. Messrs. Abel Woods, Joshua Ev- 
eleth, Ephraim Eveleth, Baptists; Rev. Leonard 
Woods, D. D., Professor in the Andover Theological 
Seminary ; Oliver Allen, at present a Missionary at 
Bombay ; Charles Brooks, son of John H. Brooks, Con- 
gregntionalist. 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 189 



CHAPTER XV. 

Biographical Notices — Physicians — Postmasters — Public Buildings — Accom- 
modations at the Wachusett Hotel — Streams and Ponds — Wachusett 
Mountain— Hills— Products. 

Notices of the clergymen of the town strictly belong 
to the division of biography. The relation of these to 
their parishes, however, is so intimate, it has been found 
most convenient to furnish a brief memoir of each min- 
ister in the history of his parish. 

Hon. Moses Gill, though not a native of Princeton, 
his history is, nevertheless, more or less interwoven with 
it. He was born at Charlestown in this State in 1733. 
His early days were spent in mercantile pursuits. He 
was married to Miss Sarah, the only surviving daughter 
of Rev. Dr. Prince, then pastor of the Old South Church, 
Boston, in 1759, from whom he intherited a lartje 
amount of land in Princeton. Having retired from 
business, in 1767, Mr. Gill commenced residing in this 
town a portion of each year. He represented the town 
inGeneral Court, at Salem, and in the year of Provincial 
Congress, at Concord, in 1774. For a few years subse- 
quent to that period he was a member of the State Le- 
gislature. He was chosen Senator in 1780, which of- 
fice he held until he was transferred to a seat in the Ex- 
ecutive Council in 1789. He was elected Lieut. Gover- 
nor in 1794, under Mr. Adams — an office which beheld 
until May 29, 1800, when he departed this life,* acting 
as Governor after the demise of Gov. Sumner, June 7, 
1799, until the inauguration of Gov. Strong, May, 
1800. 

* Having buried his first wife in 1767, Mr. Gill married, in 1772, Miss Rebec- 
ca, a neice o( the late Thomas Boylston, E?q. 

17 



190 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

William Dodds, Esq. was a native of Lexington, 
Mass. At an early age he removed to Holden, where 
he was joined in marriage to Miss Anna Child, and, after 
residing there until 1771, he came to this town, to live 
on the farm at present owned by Mr. John Dodds. For 
nearly thirty years he filled the office of Town Clerk, to 
the general acceptance of the town. He also repre- 
sented the town in the State Legislature a few years. 
Several years he was engaged in teaching District 
Schools in Princeton. In 1809, he received a Justice's 
commission. His death occurred in 1833, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-five. 

" Ward Nicholas Boylston, Esq., alias Ward Hal- 
lowell, was born in Boston, Nov. 22d, 1749. His 
father, Benjamin Hallowell, Esq., was a native of Boston, 
and, at the time of the revolution, an officer in the Cus- 
tom House. His mother, Mrs. Mary Hallowell, was the 
daughter of Thomas Boylston, and sister to the second 
wife of the Hon. Moses Gill. He received his education 
in the free schools of Boston. In March, 1770, at the 
solicitation of his maternal uncle, Nicholas Boylston, 
Esq., the distinguished benefactor of Harvard Universi- 
ty, he dropped the name of Hallowell, through a royal li- 
cense, and added to his Christian name that of the above- 
mentioned uncle. In 1773, for the purpose of renova- 
ting his health, Mr. Boylston commenced a journey 
through Europe and Asia. He embarked on board the 
* King of Naples,' bound from Boston to Newfoundland, 
October 12th. From the latter place he sailed. to Italy, 
and from thence proceeded to Turkey, Syria, the Archi- 
pelago, Palestine, Egypt, and the Barbary Coast. He 
also passed through Geneva, Savoy, France, and Flan^ 
ders. During this tour he kept a journal, which, replete 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 191 

with interest, and in many parts illustrative of Biblical 
history, is still preserved in manuscript, and which, it is 
to be hoped, may yet be given to the public. He arri- 
rived in London, 1775, and for the twenty-five subse- 
quent years remained there engaged in the various ope- 
rations of trade. In 1800 he sailed for Boston, where 
he arrived on the 15th of May of the same year. From 
this time until his death, in 1727, he continued to reside 
during the larger portion of the year at Princeton, spend- 
ing the winter months at his seat at Jamacia Plains, 
Roxbury, Mass. Soon after Mr. Boylston's arrival in 
Boston, he confirmed to Harvard University a bequest 
ofNichoIas Boylston, Esq., amounting to $23,200, as a 
foundation of the professorship of Rhetoric and Oratory, 
with the condition that John duincy Adams should be 
appointed professor. In 1802, he secured to the same 
Institution an annuity of $100, to be distributed in prizes 
for the discussion of medical questions. In 1803, he 
paid to the treasurer of the Institution $500, as a fund, 
the income of which should be expended in additions to 
the library. To this succeeded the annuity of ^60, to be 
distributed in elocution prizes to under-graduates. Large 
bequests were made to the same institution in his will."* 
Mr Boylston's bequests to Princeton, we have noticed in 
another place. 

Moses G. Cheever, Esq. was a native of Princeton, 
and his name ought to find a prominent place in this 
connection. Mr. Cheever was an active and useful mau 
in the town. Few men have enjoyed more largely the 
esteem of their fellow citizens. His sphere was in the 
humble walks of life, yet by his enterprise and economy 
he amassed a large property. At his death he made a 

* Russell's History of Princeton, p. 127. 



192 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

donation of a piece of land to the town for a Cemetery, 
.and also 8300 to prepare the ground. He died in June, 
1851, at the age of 59. 

Capt. Benjamin Harrington, was a native of Prince- 
ton. He cherished a sincere desire for the general 
prosperity of the inhabitants of his native town, and also 
did much to promote the same. Mr. Harrington was a 
benevolent man. The high standing he took in the moral 
enterprises of the day, obtained for him many warm and 
lasting friends. He departed this life in December, 
1851, aged almost 78 years. 

Physicians. — The following are the names of the indi- 
viduals who have practised in Princeton as Physicians : 
Drs. Zachariah Harvey, Ephraim Woolson, Ephraim 

Wilson, Walker, Henry Eldridge, Luther Allen, 

Henry Bagg, Martin Howe, Titus, Brainerd, 

Chandler Smith, Orville Brooks The present practi- 
tioners are Drs. Warren PatridgG and Alphonso Brooks, 

Names of Postmasters. — Princeton, Charles Rus- 
sell, Esq. Moses G. Cheever, Esq., George F. Folger ; 
East Princeton : H. V. Pratt. 

Public Buildings. — The Town House, erected in 
1842, is one story high, 64 feet long and 40 feet wide, 

Congregationalist or '' Union" Meeting House, built 
in 1838. Baptist Church, erected in 1839. Methodist 
Episcopal Church, erected in 1839. 

Wachusett Hotel, an elegant building, furnished in a 
style not surpassed, probably, in New-England. The best 
accommodations are furnished, by the landlord, Mr. John 
Brooks, Jr. Every convenience and luxury to be obtained 
in the metropolis, especially during the summer months, is 
furnished for the weary traveler, and for those who wish 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS, 193 

to spend their time during the warm season in Prince- 
ton, where the scenery is then most delightful. 

This town is situated fifteen miles from the Court 
House in Worcester, nearly north, and is highly celebra- 
ted, not only for the industry and enterprise of its inhab- 
itants and the fertility of its soil, but also for the extreme 
purity and excellency of its atmosphere. 

Streams. — The town is exceedingly well watered by 
springs and rivulets. There are however no large 
streams, although several large and fine rivers have their 
sources here. The waters of the small streams flow 
partly east, into the Massachusetts Bay, and partly west, 
into the Connecticut River. One has its source at the 
foot of the Wachusett mountain, and flows east, consti- 
tuting one branch of the Nashua River. A second runs 
nearly south, and empties into Quinepoxet pond. A 
third has its source at the foot of the mountain, on the 
westerly side, and flows southwest, constituting the east 
branch of Ware river, which flows into the Connecticut. 
Upon this last stream, Mr. Seth Savage erected a cotton 
factory at the west part of the town, called " Slab city" ; 
which however at the present time is not in operation, 
and has not been for some years. *' Another cotton 
factory, of about an equal size, formerly existed on East 
Wachusett brook, in the east part of the town. This 
was burnt in the winter of 1836.'^ At the present time 
no farther use is made of the waters of the different 
streams in this town than to turn common grist mills, 
sawmills, and mills for turning out chair stuff. 

Ponds. — Quinepoxet, is a small sheet of water covering 

about sixty acres, in thesouthpart of Princeton, extending 

into Holden, and is the only natural Pond in town. The 

"OatJet is the river Quinepoxet. Small portions of Wa- 

17* 



194 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

chusett Pond, in the northern, and of Rutland, or 
"Wanchatopick" Pond, on the south-wedtern border, lie 
within Princeton. 

Waciiusett Mountain. — This mountain is situated 
about two miles Northwest from the centre of the town. 
The circumference of the mountain — is about three 
miles, and its height is 3012 feet above the level of 
Massachusetts Bay, as found by actual survey, in 1777, 
by lion. John Winthrop. The general elevation of 
the circumjacent country is about 1100 feet. Conse- 
quently the mountain " rears its conical head" 1900 
feet above this. It is some of the first land discovered 
by the mariner when making for any of the sea-ports in 
Massachusetts. The highest part is a flat rock, or ledge 
of rocks, for some rods in circumference. Upon this 
ledge a small octagonal tower, some thirty feet in height, 
was erected in 1828. This, however, has become so 
shattered that it is at the present time of but little use. 
There is generally a small pond of water upon the sum- 
mit, some two or three rods square, and, where there is 
any soil, it is covered with blue-berry bushes, which, in 
their season, yield delicious fruit. The prospect from 
this mountain is extensive and grand in the extreme. 
"To the observer from its top, the whole State lies 
spread out like a map." " The neighboring hills, wind- 
ing into comparative insignificance, present an even 
outline to the beholder." On the one hand, is seen the 
waters of Boston harbor some fifty miles distant. On 
the North, the renowned Monadnock of New Hamp- 
shire is visible, rearing its oM bald, as well as broken 
summit, to the clouds. In other directions, "the 
distant Iloosick and Green mountains fade away in the 
distance^ and mingle with the blue horizon." *' The 



MISCKLLANKOUS MATTKRS, 195 

numerous and beautiful villages scattered intermcdialcly 
in all directions, give a charm to tlu; scene, hardly sur- 
passed by that of tiu^ far-fa!n(;(I Ilolyoke." Tlu^ base of 
this mountain is covered with a heavy c^rowth of wood, 
which <lvvin(lle.s into small trees, and, finally, to shrub- 
bery with d.it to|)s, similar to that on the sea shore, as 
you approach the summit. This is occasioned doubt- 
less, in part, by the state of the atrnosplicrc ; for it is 
several degrees colder, on the to|) than at the bottom in- 
variably. It may be ascended, with some dilliculty on 
the south side with horses; but on the east, north, and 
northwest, it is exceedingly steep, broken and ledgy, and 
dillicult of ascent even by persons on foot, hi IH'^.j, on 
the inauguration of John Quincy Adams to the Presi- 
dency, an unsuccessful attempt was made, at the suggos- 
tion of Ward N. Boylston, J'iSfj., to substitute for the 
present name that of Mount Adams. Wachusetl moun- 
tain was frequently, visited by the Indians, in the early 
scttJcmcnt of Massachusetts. Many of them sj)ent their 
winters near it, during King Phillip's War. It was here 
that Mrs. Rowlandson, wife of the first minister in Lan- 
caster, the narrative of whose cai)tivity and gr(;at sulfer- 
ings is familiar to those who have perused the early his- 
tory of the Fudians in this State, was r(^leased. The spot 
where this scene occurred is on the oast side of the 
mountain, and is still |)ointed out by some <if the 
aged inhabitants. This mountain is visited duriwg the 
summer months by thousands of individuals every year. 
Little Wachusett, which deserves attention, is siluate<f 
about a mile North from the centre of Princeton, and 
to the Southwest of the mountain proper. 'I'his hill 
contains n(iarly '2.'i() acres, mostly pasturing, though it 
is partially cfwered with wood, and that chieMy walnut. 



196 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

Pine Hill, some two mites from the centre, to the east 
of Wachusett, is about half as high as the mountain, and 
is nearly 2000 feet above the sea. 

Products. — The inhabitants of Princeton are princi- 
pally employed in agricultural pursuits. Shoe business 
is engaged in by a portion of the people to some extent. 
The female part of the inhabitants manufacture consid- 
erable quantities of Palm Leaf Hats. Mrs. Phebe Bea- 
man, who is still living, and who braided the first Palm 
Leaf Hat ever manufactured in town, learned the art by 
taking a hat to pieces. The Chair manufacture has been 
iEtroduced within a few years to some extent, especially 
at East Princeton, and now gives employment to several 
workmen. As the soil is best adapted to grazing, it 
being naturally of a moist and springy quality, the 
chief products of the town are beef, butter and cheese. 
Grain sufficient for home consumption, is about all that 
is raised. Great quantities of wood are carried to Wor- 
cester, either in its original form or in that of charcoal. 



APPENDIX 



[ See Page 23. ] 

LIST OF OFFICERS 

CHOSEN AT THE TOWN MEETING MARCH 16, 1761. 

Dr. Zachariah Harvey, moderator ; Dr. Zachariah Harvey, 
district clerk ; Dr. Zachariah Harvey, Joseph Gibbs, Lieut. 
Abijah Moore, Timothy Moseman, selectmen ; Dr. Zachariah 
Harvey, Abijah Moore, Peter Goodnow, assessors ; Peter 
Goodnow, treasurer; Caleb Mirick, Sadey Mason, cons- 
tables ; Samuel Nichols, Joseph Rugcr, tythingmen ; Paul 
Mathews, Stephen Brigham, Silas Whitney, Tilly^Littlejohns, 
Timothy Keyes, highway surveyors ; Robert Keyes, clerk of 
the market; Samuel Hastings, Amos Spring-, fence viewers ; 
James Mirick, Oliver Davis, field drivers ; Robert Cowden, 
Edward Wilson, deer reeves ; Amos Powers, Samuel Hastings, 
hog reeves ; Abel Ray, su'-veyor of boards and shingles ; Ste- 
phen Brigham, sealer of leather; Peter Goodnow, Timothy 
Moseman^ wardens ; Dr. Zachariah Harvey, agent to the gen- 
eral court. 

At the bottom of this list of officers, the following is found : — 
" This may certify that all the above officers, except Timo- 
thy Keyes, were duly sworn as the Law directs, Respecting the 
taking of the paper currency of the other Governments, and the 
Respective Oaths belong to each of their offices. 

Test. Zachariah Harvey, Moderator" 

{ See Page 24. ] 

LOCATION OF ROA.DS. 

The manner of the early settlers, locating their roads may 
be learned from the following, which is transcribed from the 
warrant for March meeting, 1774 : — 

" To see if the town will accept of a road laid out by the Se- 
lectmen, beginning at a Butternut tree marked, in Mr. Mose- 
man's land, thence running to a Poplar tree marked, in Joel 
Sawin's land, thence to a Chestnut marked, thence to a Black 
Oak marked, thence to a Black Oak, thence to a Black Oak 
marked, in Judge Ruggles' land, thence to a Chestnut, thence 
to a Black Birch, thence to a Chestnut, thence to a Chestnut, 



198 APPENDIX. 



thence to a Black Birch, thence to a Chestnut, thence to a 
chestnut, thence to a White Pine, thence to a White Oak, 
thence to a Black Oak, thence to a Chestnut, thence to a White 
Pine, thence to a Chestnut, thence a corner of Mr. Billings' 
said road is two rods wide and upon the northerly side of said 
marked trees." 



[ See Page 27. ] 

PETITION OF REV. TIMOTHY FULLER, 

AND THE RESOLVE OF GENERAL COURT THEREUPON.* 

" Province of the Massachusetts Bay. 

"To his excellency Francis Bernard, Esq. Governor and 
Commander-in-chief in and over said Province. The Honora- 
ble His Majesties Council and House of Representatives, in 
General Court assembled, at Boston, the 30th Day of Decem- 
ber, Anno Domini ; 1767. 

The Petition of Timothy Fuller of Princeton, in the County 
of Worcester, Clerk, humbly shews,— That, in the month of 
September last, he was ordained as a Minister in said Place. 
That the said Place is now in its Infancy and not very able to 
support the Gospel, but the Harmony and Unanimity that ap- 
peared among them to settle your Petitioner was a great Induce- 
ment to accept of their invitation at the small living of fifty- 
three Pounds six Shillings and eight Pence per Annum, which 
jour Petitioner apprehends is as much as they are able to pay 
in their Present Circumstances. That the said Place labors 
under many difficulties by reason of the great Expense they 
have been and are necessarily obliged to be at, in finishing their 
Meeting-Houso, making and maintaining new Roads in a Wil- 
derness Country. — And greater than any new Town lately 
granted as they have no public ministerial Lands for the use of 
the first settled minister— That the Hill called Watchusett Hill 
lies within the Limits of said Town, which belongs to the 
Province ; The whole Contents whereof are about five Hun- 
dred Acres, iour Hundred Acres of which are mountain, barren 
and unfruitful, and never can be fitt for any Improvement as many 
of this honorable Court are well knowing. That about one 
Hundred Acres of it upon the South Side nigh the Foot of the 
Hill, altho' very rocky and uneven, may possibly be improved as 
Pasture Land. Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays that, as 
an encouragement to him (seeing there are no publick Lands 

♦ Transcribed from the Appendix of Russell's History of Princeton. 



APPENDIX. 199 

reserved for the first Minister in said Place) you would out of 
your wonted Goodness, grant unto him the said Province Land. 
" And as in duty bound shall ever pray. 

Timothy Fuller. 

"We, the Selectmen of Princeton, unite our humble and 
earnest Desire that the Prayer of your Petitioner above may be 
granted for the Reasons assigned in the above Petition. 

" And as in duty bound shall ever pray. 

Peter Goodnow^ \ 



Joseph Gibbs, \ Selectmen, 

Ebenezer JoneSy )- of 
Oliver Davis, \ Princetown. 

Benjamin Taynter, j 



" In the House of Representatives, January 20thj 1768, Resolved 
— That the Prayer of said Petition be granted, and that the 
Tract of Land belonging to this Province lying in Princetown, 
in the County of Worcester, called Wachusett Hill, containing 
about five Hundred Acres, bounded East four Degrees North 
one Hundred and Sixty Rods on Watertown Farm, then North 
46 Degrees East 160 Rods on said Watertown Farm, then 
North 97 Rods on Muzzey's Farm now Keyes's, then North 23 
west 70 Rods on Benjamin Houghton's Land, then westerly 135 
Rods on said Houghton's Land, then 60 Rods on said Hough- 
ton's Land to a white Oak Tree, then South 55 west 253 Rods 
on Westminster Line to a Red Oak Tree, the corner of Mr. 
Allen's Farm, then East 21 Degrees South 100 Rods on said 
Allen's Farm, then running on said Allen's Farm about 190 
Rods to the Bound first mentioned ; be granted to the said 
Timothy Fuller, his Heirs and Assigns forever, as an encour- 
agement to him to continue in the faithful Discharge of his Of- 
fice in said Princetown — Provided that He or his Heirs pay their 
Proportion of a Tax of two pence Per Acre for three years, laid 
by the General Court at their Session in January, A. D. 1760, 
upon all unimproved Lands in said District of Princetown. 

" Sent up for Concurrence, Thomas Cushing, Speaker, 

i^In Council, January 20th, 1768. Read and Concurred, 

►4. Oliver, Secretary, 
"Consented to — Francis Bernard, 

^* A true Copy, Examined — P. J. Cotton, D. Secretary, 



200 APPENDIX. 



[ See Page 51. ] 

A DOCUMEN T, 

CONTAINING AN IMPERFECT ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF 
MEN FURNISHED IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, AT THE 
EXPENSE OF THE TOWN. 

"Agreeable to a resolve of the general assembly, of the 11th 
of July, 1783, The following is the account of the encourage- 
ment given to the men which marched agreeable to the resolve 
of said court : — 

£. s.d. 

Dec. 1, 1775, 10 men marched to reinforce continental army 80 00 

Jan. 20, 1776, 14 " '« " " 23 02 

Jan. 24, 1776, 21 " " to New York and Canada 192 06 5 

Aug. 4 " " to Boston 6 00 

Sept. 10, 1776, 16 " " to Fort 64 00 

Nov. 20, 1776, 16 *« " to reinforce the army at New York,2560 00 

April 12, 1777, 7 " " to reinforce Gen. Spencer at Rhode 

Island, 50 00 

July 16, 1777, 1 " " to guard stores at Brookfield,.. . . 2 00 
Aug. 9, 1777, 14 " " northward, served three weeks un- 
der Gen. Lincoln 84 00 

Aug. 15. 1777, 11 '< " northward under Gen. Warren. .. 165 00 

40 " '• in consequence of orders from Gen. 

Stark 160 00 

Sept. 16, 1777, " »' on expedition to R. I. 30 days 

Sept. 22, 1777, 20 " " northward under Gen. Bailey. .. 120 00 

Dec. 22, 1777, " " to Rhode Island 

Feb. 7, 1778, 6 " " served under Gen Heath 720 00 

Apr. 18, 1778, 5 " «' 595 00 

June 12, 1778, " •• for defence of R. Island 

June 16, 1778, «* " " " 

June 23, 1778, 2 " " as Guards 16 00 

July 24, 1778, 4 " " to Rhode Island, 200 40 

July 27, 1778, 7 " " to " 210 00 

Aug 18,1778, 3 " " to " 90 00 

Sept 6, 1778, 4 " " to aid Gen Sullivan at R. 1 240 00 

Sept 17, 1778, 4 " " to guard Gen Heath in and at Boston 200 00 

Jan. 1, 1779, 

Jan. 26, 1779, 

March 18, 1779, 

Apr. 14, 1779, 

Apr. 15, 

Apr. 27, 

Junes, 3 " " to Rhode Island 90 00 01' 

June 18, 

June 25, 

Sept. 17, 

Oct 9, 9 " " to Claverick,and guards to Rutland, 450 00 

Mch. 15, 1780, 

June 22, 12 " " to ye Continental Army, Claverick, 13 10 

June 23 2 " «' 

Nov 29, 1780, 

Feb. 28, 1781, 2 privates went to Rutland 84 00 

Aug 1 -" 



APPENDIX. 



201 



[ See Page G8. ] 

LIST OF VOTES FOR GOVERNOR SINCE 1780. 

Years. JVames. Votes. Years. JVames. Votes. 



Years. JVames. 


Votes. 


1780- Hancock 


27 


Bow (loin 


17 


1781-Hancock 


31 


Bowdoin 


1 


1782-Hancock 


16 


Bowdoin 


1 


1783-Hancock 


3Q 


Gushing 


31 


1784-Hancock 


22 


1785-Bowdoin 


31 


dishing 


5 


ITSft-Bowdoin 


22 


Gushing 


21 


1787-Hancock 


37 


Bowdoin 


20 


1788-Hancock 


121 


Gerry 


3 


1789-Hancoek 


53 


Bowdoin 


52 


1790- Hancock 


47 


Bowdoin 


^3 


>1791-Hancock 


•82 


1792-Hancock 


62 


Dana 


5 


1793-Hancock 


m 


Phillips 


5 


1794- A dams 


,70 


Gerry 


3 


1795-Adaias 


39 


Gill 


34 


1796-Adams 


6 


Gill 


39 


1797-Su inner 


37 


Gill 


77 


1798-Sumner 


49 


Gill 


17 


1799-Su inner 


87 


Gill 


4 


1800-Strong 


61 


Gill 


43 


1801-Strong 


111 


Gerry 


2 


1802-Strong 


142 


1803-Stn)ng 


114 


Gerry 


g 


]804-Strong 


131 


Ger»y 


9 


1605-Strong 


142 


Pullivan 


5 


IBOG-Stronir 


152 


Sullivan 


5 



1807-Strong 


145 


1832-Armstrong 


151 


Sullivan 


11 


Mills 


6 


1808-Gore 


124 


Fuller 


10 


Sullivan 


14 


1833-Davis 


172 


1809-Gore 


148 


Adams 


32 


Lincoln 


13 


Morton 


20 


1810-Gore 


139 


1834-Davis 


170 


Gerry 


17 


Morton 


14 


1811-Gore 


119 


1835-Everett 


139 


Gerry 


15 


Morton 


6 


1812-Strong 


162 


1836-Everett 


155 


Gerry 


20 


Morton 


30 


1813-Strong 


177 


1837-Everett 


141 


Vernuin 


15 


Morton 


34 


1814-Strong 


184 


1838-Everett 


147 


Dexter 


16 


Morion 


62 


1815-Strong 


180 


1839-Everett 


130 


Dexter 


16 


Morton 


104 


1816- Brooks 


181 


1840-Davis 


190 


Dexter 


13 


Morton 


53 


1817- Brooks 


158 


1841-Davis 


135 


Dearborn 


14 


Morton 


50 


lS18-Brooks 


163 


1842-Davis 


141 


Crownins 


hield 11 


Morton 


51 


1819-B rooks 


170 


Sewall 


19 


Crowninshield 14 


1843-Briggs 


112 


1820-Brook3 


160 


Morton 


57 


Eustis 


11 


Sewall 


51 


1821-Brooks 


143 


1844-Briggs 


162 


Eustis 


14 


Bancroft 


45 


1822- Brooks 


142 


Sewall 


54 


Eustis 


11 


1845-Briggs 


116 


1823-Otis 


1.13 


Davis 


35 


Eustis 


22 


Sewall 


45 


(iiiiiicy 


10 


1846-Briggs 


95 


1824-Latiirop 


178 


Davis 


23 


Eustis 


25 


Sewall 


68 


1825-Lincoln 


;93 


1847-Briggs 


86 


Morton 


101 


Gushing 


35 


1826- Lincoln 


24 


Sewall 


50 


Lloyd 


121 


1848-Briggs 


64 


1827-Lincoln 


79 


Gushing 


14 


Jarvis 


4 


Phillips 


129 


1828-LincoIn 


106 


1849-Briggs 


61 


18:29- Lincoln 


94 


Boulwell 


27 


Morton 


7 


Phillips 


100 


Atkin 


7 


1850-Briggs 


69 


1830-Lincoln 


109 


Boulwell 


24 


Morton 


•27 


Phillips 


100 


1831-Lincoln 


101 


1851-Wiuthrop 


79 


Morion 


5 


Boulwell 


33 






Palfrey 


108 



18 



20*2 APPENDIX. 



MUNICIPAL OFFICERS FROM 1760 TO 185-2. 

[When this mark ( - ) is placed between the dates, it indicates that the per- 
son was elected in the years succeeding, from first to last.] 

Town Clerks. — Dr. Zachariah Harvey 1760, '1 ; Caleb 
Mirick 1762, 70, '1 ; Samuel Woods 1763; Peter Goodnow 
1764, 5, 7; Boaz Moore 1766 ; Ephraim Woolson 1768, 9, 7'2, 
3,5,8; William Richardson 1774; James Mirick 1776, 7; 
William Dodds 1779-93, '97-1814 ; John Dana 1794-6 ; Arte- 
raas How 1815-18; Jonas Hartwell 1819, 20; Erasmus D. 
Goodnow 1836; Charles Russell 1821-35, 37-49; David H. 
Gregory 1850-2. 



Selectmen.— Peter Goodnow 1760. 4, 5, 7 ; Abijah Moore 
1760, 1, 3 ; Dr. Zachariah Harvey 1760, 1 ; Joseph Gibbs 1760, 
1, 3, 7, 8, 70; Timothy Moseman 1761, 2; Eliphalet How 
1762; Boaz Moore 1762, 3, 6, 70-2, 8. 81-92; Robert Keves 
1762; Caleb Mirick 1762,70,1, 1808,9; Ebenezer Jones 1763, 
6-72,4-6; Samuel Woods 1763; Benjamin Holden 1764, 9, 
73, 80-2, 90, 1 ; Stephen Brigham 1764, 5, 8, 71, 5-7 ; Tilly 
Littlejohns 1764; William Muzzev 1764, 9; Sadey Mason 
1765. 6, 78-91 ; Wm. Thompson 1765, 6, 72-7 ; Benjamin Tayn- 
ter 1765,7; Robert Cowden 1766; Ohver Davis 1767 ; Ephraim 
Woolson 1768, 9, 72. 3, 5, 8 ; Adonijah Howe 1768, 76. 7, 9,1818; 
Jos.Sargront 1769,70.8,82-5,1807,8; Jas, Mirick 1771, 6.7; Jas. 
Phelps 1772 ; Paul Matthews 1773, 80 ; Jos. Eveleth 1773, 5, 81 
5, 1809 ; William Richardson 1774 : Charles Brooks 1774, 80 ; 
Elisha Hobbs 1777, 9, 94, 5 ; Samuel Hastinors 1778, 1810-12; 
Ephraim Hartwell 1//9; Abraham Gile 1779; John Mirick 
1780 ;*Asa Whitcomb 1781-^William Dodds 1783-93.6, 1807 ; 
Abner How 1786-89; Ebenezer Parker 1786-92, 6-8, 1804, 
5; Abijuh Harrinnrton 1792, 3,6,7; Ephraim Mirick 1792. 3; 
Isaac Hartwell 1793-5; David Rice, 1793-1800, 4-7 ; John 
Dana 1794, 5, 1801-9; John Watson 1794, 5; Jonas Beaman 
1796-9; Andrew Whitney 1798-1800, 4-6; Samuel Didman 
1799-1802; Ephraim Wilson 1800-3; Amos Meriam 1801-3, 
2.3-9: Birtholomew Clieever 1803; Simon Divis 1803-9; 
Samuel Srratton, 1808, 9; Joshua Evelelh, 1810-12: Ch.rles 
Mirick 1810-12 ; B-njamin Harrington 1810; Artemis How 
1810-15; Jonas B:ooks 1811-14; Simuel Stpvenson 1813-17; 
Jonas Hartwoll 1813-20; Samuel Brooks 1813; Israel How Jr. 
1814-16,20-2: William Everett 1814, 15; Henry Prentiss 
1815; Calvin Bullock 1716.17: Azor Maynard 1816: Jacob 
W. Watson 1816-18, 28, 9, 36,. 7, 49 ; Moses Hobbs 1S17, 18 : 



APPENDIX. 203 

Josiah Cuttin;: 1817, 18; Nnhum Wilder 1818; Israel Howe 
1811>, 20; Joshuii Temple 1819; Thomas Wilder 1819; M >- 
ses Bullard 181!)-2-2 ; John Mirick,Jr. 1820, 1; Clirk Mirick 
18-20-2; Joseph Mason 1821,7, 30,6; Ephraim Mirick, Jr, 
1822-7; John II. Brooks 182:3-9, 30; Moses G. Cheever 
1823-8, 30, 1 ; Gamaliel Beaman 1828, 9 ; Ebonezer Parker, 
Jr. 1829; Rufus Davis i830-2 ; John Whitney 1830-5; Israel 
Everettl830-33, 40-2; Enoch Brooks 1831-3; Caleb Dana 
1832-4, 7,8; Harlow Skinner 1834-6; Nathan Meriam 1834, 
5; Joshua T. Everett 1834, 5; Daniel Parker 1835,45; Alfred 
Beaman 1836, 7; Sewall Mirick 1837,8; John L. Boylston 
1837-9; Wdliam How 1838, 9 ; John Brooks, 1838-45, 7 8 ; 
Henry Boyles 1839-41, 9, 50 ; Jonas Brooks, Jr. 1839-41 ; Ed- 
ward A. Goodnow 1840,1; Erasmus 1). Goodnow 1842,3; 
Alphonso Brooks 1843, 4, (>, 7 : Charles Rnssell 1844-6 ; D ivid 
H. Greofory 1846-8; Ebenezer Smith 1848. 9; Asa H. God- 
dard 1850, 1 ; Solon S. Hastmffs 1850, 1 ; William H. Browa 
1851, 2; Charles A. Mirick 1852; George O. Skinner 1852. 



Assessors. — Zachariah Harvey i7<3l ; Abijah Moore 1761 ' 
Peter Goodnow 1761; Joseph Eveleth, 1762-4, 7; Boaz 
Moore 1762, 3, 70-2, 87 ; Caleb Mirick 1762; Samuel Woods 
176:3, 4, 7, 70, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 83, 4 ; Thomas Mason 1764-6, 8, 
9,71, 3, 6-81, 5, 6^ 94-9; Robert Cowden 1765; Wdliam 
Mnzzey 1765,6,8,9; Adonijih Howe 1767; Ebenrzer Jones 
1768 ; Joseph Sargent 1769,70; James Mirick 1771 ; John 
Jones 1772, 4, 5; Benjamin Holden 1773; Enoch Brooks 
1774-8; William Richardson 1774; William Dodds 1777, 
80-93, 5-1809; James Curtis 1779,80; Humphrey Moore 
1781, 8-90; Ephraim Hartweil 1782; Ebenezer Parker 1782- 
9:3, 1796-1805; Michel Gill i791 ; David Rice 1792 3.1806- 
9, 18 19; John Dana 1794, 1802-9; Timothy Fuller 1794, 5 ; 
John Roper 1800,1; John Moore 1810, 11; Joseph Mason 
1810-13,21-6, 30; Artemas How 1810-19; Jonas H-irtwell 
1812-20; Samuel Stephenson, 1814--17 ; Mosps Hobbs 1820- 
3; Ephraim Mirick 1820-6; Charles Mirick 1824; Amos Mer- 
iam 1825-9; Ephraim Mirick, 2d 1827; John Whitnev J827-9, 
:32-5, 7-9, 44, 5; Jacob W. Watson 1828,9 : Moses G. Cheev- 
.•r 1830, l,(i; Rifus D.ivis 18:J0-2, 48, 50; Israel Everett 
1832, 3. 7-9. 44, 50 ; Harlow Skinner 18:«, 4 ; Joshua T. Eve- 
rett 18:34, 5; Nathan Meriam 18:35; Himilton Wilson. 18:36-9; 
Williams. Everett 183i): Ji)hn Books 1840, 1, 50; Joseph 
Meriam 1840-3 ; Caleb Dana 1840; Charles B. Temple 1841-1; 
Joseph Hartweil 1842,3; Asa H. Goddard 184.5-7; M irshall 
Meriam 1845; CilebS. Mirick 1846,8; George O. Skiuaer 



'234 APPENDIX. 



1846,7; Ephraim Beannn 1847; Phineas E. Greo-Q'-y 1848; 
Jonas Biooks. Jr. 1849; Frederick Parker 1849,51,2; VVm. 
D. Cheever 1849, 51, 2; Henry Boyles 1851; Joseph VVliit- 
coiiib 1852. 



Town Treasurers. — Peter Goodnow 1761 ; James Mirick 
1762, 3 ; Timothy Keyes 1764, 5 ; Sadey Mason 1766 ; Joseph 
Sargent 1767, 70, 1 ; Abner Howe 1768, 9 ; Joseph Eveleth 
1772, 3 ; Robert Cowden 1774-7 ; Charles Brooks 1778 ; Jo- 
seph Haynes 1779; Enoch Brooks 1780-1812, 14-16; David 
Rice 1813; Benjamin Harrington 1817-21; Thomas Wilder 
1822 ; Jacob W. Watson 1823. 4 ; Jonas Brooks 1825-^3 ; 
Charles Mirick 1826, 32; Moses G. Choever 1827-30, 42; 
John Brooks 1831 ; Jacob W. Watson 1834-6 ; Joseph Mason 
1837-41; Daniel Howe 1843,4; Alphonso Brooks 1845-8; 
Warren Patridge 1849 ; Joseph A. Read 1850-2. 



Representatives. — Moses Gill 1780,4-95 ; Asa Whitcomb 
1783; Ebenezer Parker 1797,8,1800; David Rice 1801, 2, 
13-18, 21; John Dana 1804, 5, 12; William Dodds, 1806, 8- 
11; Ephraim Mirick, Jr. 1823; Charles Russell 1826-32; Josh- 
ua T. Everett 1833,5; Jonathan Whitney 1834; John Brooks 
1835, 6 ; John Whitney 1836 ; Alphonso Brooks 1838 ; Sewall 
Mirick 1839, 45; Ebenezer Parker 1840-2; Israel Everett 
1843, 44 ; Caleb S. Mirick 1847 ; Henry Boyles, 1848 ; Eben- 
ezer Smith 1849 : Epliraim Beaman 1850 ; Luther Crawford 
1851. 



E 90 7 



